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THE FLEET WING SERIES 



THE 


Wreck of the Greyhound 


OR 


THE ROMANTIC LOVE OF 

THE EARL’S DAUGHTER 

/ BV 

C. M. NEWELL, 

\ I 


AUTHOR OF “THE VOYAGE OF THE FLEETWING,' ” “ THE ISLE OF PALMS,” ETC. 



All wiecked on Pratas 
Lies the ship which bore St. Clare ! 

All stranded lies — death-laden; 

All wrecked, the Earl and maiden ; 
The crew strewn everywhere ! 

Tangled in weeds and breakers 
The maid lies dead on Pratas! 



OCT 111889 

i u ? A ” 



BOSTON 


DE WOLFE, FISKE & CO. 

1889 


Copyright, 1889, 
By C. M. Newell. 

A ll rights reserved. 


C. J. PETERS & SON, 

Typographers and Electrotypers, 

145 High Street, Boston. 


INSCRIBED TO THE PRESENT 


THIRD DAUGHTER OF THE HEROINE, WHO GRACIOUSLY 
FURNISHED MANY FACTS IN 
THIS VOLUME. 


THE AUTHOR, 











































CONTENTS, 


chapter PA qk 

I. The Palace of Thieves 7 

II. Fair Lucia Seymour 15 

III. The Beautiful Clipper 24 

IY. Lady Lucia’s Vision 32 

Y. The Wounded Hero 43 

YI. Sir Michael’s Elixir of Love 53 

VII. Meeting of the Lovers Cl 

VIII. Old Tom and Lady Lucia 75 

IX. Days of Wooing 80 

X. Love Invoked by Prayer 91 

XI. Reception at the Embassy 97 

XII. The Mysterious Fast-boat 117 

XIII. Lady Lucia’s Betrothal 127 

XI Y. The Paternal Blessing 145 

XY. The Tragic Interview 155 

XYI. Attacked by Pirates 173 

XVII. Departure of the Seymours 182 

XVIII. The Predicted Gale 191 

XIX. Love at the Dagger’s Point 198 

XX. Buying Cargo at Canton 212 

XXI. The Pirate Queen 219 

XXII. Old Tom’s Tragic End 235 


5 


6 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

XXIII. Captain Lawrence’s Abduction 249 

XXIY. The Queen’s Confession 263 

XXY. Yoyage tO the Pirate Isle 276 

XXYI. Aloata’s Last Battle 289 

XXVII. Death of Aloata 307 

XXVIII. Wreck of the Greyhound * 320 

XXIX. The Pratas Shoal 336 

XXX. Voyage on a Surfboard 352 

XXXI. Boarding the Wreck 363 

XXXII. Saved from Starvation 381 

XXXIII. Rescued from the Wreck 392 

XXXIY. Homeward Bound 409 

XXXV. The Welcome Home 423 

XXX VI. Life at Moorland 438 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE PALACE OF THIEVES. 

"AT'ESTLED like an eagle’s eyrie upon the most beetling 
' crag which towers above Hong Kong bay rises the 
sumptuous abode of the British Embassy, about which 
cling numerous dark legends and abundant romantic 
history. It is by far the most picturesque landmark 
that greets the maritime comer, whether approaching 
from the east through the narrow Ly-Moon pass, or 
coming by the Lamina Channel around the west end of 
the island. 

But an onlooker viewing it from Kow-Loon point — 
over across the bay — obtains much the best view- of the 
embassy when seen outlined against the dark back- 
ground of corrugated rocks on Victoria Peak, for it then 
appears like some grand old castellated pile of mediaeval 
Spain. 

It •vfas such an eerie, isolated stronghold as the 
marauding Portuguese were accustomed to build during 
the sixteenth century, — copied from the Moorish castles 
of their sister kingdom, — a period of misrule in China, 
when these exploring freebooters held possession of the 

7 


8 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ricli tea-city of Macao, and other adjacent seacoast 
shelters suitable for their piratical ships when evading 
pursuit. 

The “ Palace of Thieves/ ” as the early English settlers 
rightfully termed the stone-built edifice on the cliff, — 
strangely forgetful of the equally just censure given by 
the Portuguese to the rascally English opium-smugglers, 
— was built during the warlike reign of the Emperor 
Keen-Lung, whose vast armies were then so occupied 
with capturing Turkestan and invading British India, 
that his home-provinces were bereft of good government, 
from lack of military power and dominant-minded 
rulers. 

It was a time when the river and sea pirates swayed 
all the coast-provinces of Cathay with a ruthless hand. 
So dissolute a period that the pious Portuguese aptly 
named Hong Kong nnd the adjacent islands the 
“ Ladrones,” meaning the Place of Thieves. This 
cognomen so annoyed the sampan boatmen of the bay, — 
of whom there were twelve thousand living with their 
families in boats, — that they stigmatized the strong 
stone house on the precipice as “ Chin-Chin Ladrone,” — 
bow to the thief. A nickname which applied in some 
sense, as it certainly went hard with the small local 
pirates who did not kow-tow — bow down — and pay 
tribute to the Portuguese freebooters. 

Desperate as were those degenerate days, yet it was 
not until 1795, during the more dissolute reign of Kea- 
King — son of the great war emperor — that the vast 
bands of organized river and coast pirates became suffi- 
ciently strong to hold all the war-fleets of the empire at 


A DISSOLUTE REIGN. 


9 


bay; while every town of thrift and plenty that 
could be reached by river or sea was compelled to pay 
tribute, or be sacked at the pleasure of any petty 
chief. 

Such an inconceivable display of marauding power 
became a continual menace to good government through- 
out the coast. Fortunately for the land rulers, the 
providential death of Ching-Che-tung, the admiral of all 
the coast pirates, was at that time brought about by 
treachery. This event created internal dissensions 
among the jealous commanders of the fleet, and the 
pirates about Hong Kong began to war upon each other 
for supremacy ; the winning side having been greatly 
aided by the Portuguese freebooters of the Ladrone 
Palace. 

At this interesting juncture of a predatory reign, the 
vanquished minority of sea-robbers began to accept high 
offices of trust and emolument, which were eagerly 
proffered by the effeminate emperor, as the only means 
of controlling the affairs of the empire. By the aid of 
these turncoat pirates the governing mandarins of the 
southern coast-provinces were once more enabled to pro- 
tect their rich river cities and opulent coast towns, so 
long subjected to the raids for rapine and pelf by the 
ferocious sea-wolves. 

Hot so with the eastern coast-provinces, from Amoy to 
Shanghai, and northward to Pekin; a sea district still 
under the piratical sway of Koxinga, son of Admiral 
Ching-Che-tung, and a naval commander of even greater 
renown than his father. Koxinga had long since, made 
himself king of the fertile island of Formosa. Select- 


10 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


in g the strongly fortified harbor of Tan-Suy as a rendez- 
vous for his fleets, the pirate king expelled the Dutch 
settlers from the thrifty city of Ke-Lung, and made the 
whole northern part of Formosa an elysium for his 
pirate hordes. 

We have purposely strayed from our legitimate theme 
to truthfully portray the evil times when the present 
embassy was built by the robber Dons; showing why 
such a strong edifice was required for safety at a period 
when powerless rulers had lost all control over a portion 
of their base-minded subjects. 

Not satisfied with perching the quaint old dormitory 
upon the very brink of the overhanging cliff, two hun- 
dred feet above the restless rush of tidal water below, 
the daring builder also flung out a ten-foot balcony from 
the level of the second-story windows, which was roofed 
in above by the long slant overhang of the main roof. 
This balcony was strongly balustered throughout its 
front and sides with stout posts and railing of camphor- 
wood. While the ends of the balcony were closely 
latticed, large occasional apertures were left along the 
water-front, from which an occupant could lean out over 
the balustrade and peer down the sheer sides of the 
jagged precipice till he became dizzy with the rapid 
whirl of water below. 

The whole affair was needlessly ornamented with 
delicate filigree and flimsy fretwork, much more after 
the ornate manner of the Orientals than comported with 
the original design of its robber Dons. This notable 
discrepancy led an observing eye and thoughtful mind 
to determine that the present decorations were an 


TIIE BRITISH EMBASSY. 


11 


unseemly acquisition adopted long subsequent to the 
building of the Gothic-looking structure. 

Whatever may have been the design of the builder, 
both the overhanging roof and the balcony itself were 
risky ventures in a typhoon country, where the winds, 
when put to their best, frequently lift a whole roof and 
send it ballooning over the bay. But one only needs to 
know the temper of the times and character of the men 
of that day to determine that it was built for a lookout. 
A place from which to spy upon the numerous junks, 
piratical fast-boats and countless sampans, ever sheltered 
along the inner curve of the harbor. A sharp eye can 
extend its gaze almost to the Ly-Moon pass ; and a 
ship discloses itself even to a dull eye when abreast of 
Devil’s Peak. While a craft of any kind coming from 
Macao, Wampoa, or Canton, is seen the instant she 
doubles around the west end of the island. 

Though the balcony is now sumptuously fitted up 
with luxurious divans and lounging-chairs, swaying 
hammocks and enticing bamboo reclines, with its back 
wall hung with rare paintings and its roof festooned with 
flowering vines, with numerous ornamental shrubs and 
dwarfed fruit-bearing trees potted in rich vases of 
stone-china, nestled in each corner and about every aper- 
ture, — yet, alas ! this seductive conservatory has had a 
tragic era, which makes one shudder to contemplate. 

Though now the beautiful balcony makes a charming 
place for the reception of daily callers — a custom with 
foreign residents in the Flowery Kingdom — it has been 
the scene of many a bloodthirsty act, for more than one 
person — some arrogant mandarin or usurious Jew — 


12 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


has been cast headlong down its dizzy height. In one 
instance the doomed victim fell on the deck of a passing 
sampan, whose sail broke the fall of the lordly man- 
darin. Being in the night, he escaped in the darkness 
and lived to make the boatman wealthy; and snatched 
him away from his toilsome life, fearing lest the greedy 
wants of the man of low degree might tempt him to 
disclose to the Portuguese pirates the miraculous escape 
of their victim. 

Alas ! — who knows ? — perhaps its tempting location 
may have served to create an unholy incentive to employ 
it for, possibly, just the purpose for which it was con- 
structed. Certain it is that a tragic attempt of the 
kind, was recently made, not a score of years prior to 
the date of our story. So that none but the mildest- 
mannered of men should venture to live in such an abode, 
lest he be assailed by some cruel predilection of crime, 
whenever an enemy comes within his grasp. 

Since those long-gone days of evil doings which we 
have slightly touched upon, the Palace of Thieves has 
been in possession of several notable British ambassa- 
dors. The place was first occupied for such purpose by 
Lord Macartney’s embassy in 1789. After having per- 
fected his treaty with the Emperor at Pekin, in the 
name of George III., his Lordship came to Hong Kong 
with his fleet, and endeavored to benefit trade regulations 
with Canton. 

During the long peaceful interval which followed, 
several less notable dignitaries resided at the palatial 
old mansion. But in 1816 the old difficulties began to 
arise. The English merchants were being brutally 


LORD SEYMOUR. 


13 


treated, and Lord Amherst was sent to Pekin to adjust 
matters. But even after his Lordship arrived at the 
imperial palace, as he then refused to perform Kow-tow 
before his Majesty, he was sent away empty-handed, 
without even an interview. He too returned to Hong 
Kong with his fleet and took up his residence at the 
Ladrone Palace. 

In 1834, when the charter of the East India Com- 
pany expired, Lord Napier was sent out from England, 
and while residing at Hong Kong undertook to handle 
the task which was daily growing more difficult to deal 
with. His Lordship was finally taken sick with fever, 
and died at Macao. 

The British government next offered the embassy to 
George Seymour, the Earl of St. Clare, who, aggrieved 
at the loss of his countess, had been travelling in 
India for three years with his young daughter. Lord 
Seymour chanced to be at Hong Kong at the time, on 
a visit to his brother, Sir Michael Seymour, vice-admiral 
of the British fleet stationed there. 

The Earl undertook to negotiate better trade privi- 
leges with the Canton government, and he succeeded 
admirably for the time. But it was not many years 
before Captain Elliot, the superintendent of trade at 
Canton, was compelled to give up twenty thousand 
chests of opium, which were destroyed in the presence 
of Lin, the provincial Governor. This infringement of 
trade served to bring on the war of 1840, when Chusan, 
the stronghold lying off Shanghai, and the Bogue Forts 
near Canton were captured. Hong Kong was ceded to Eng- 
land, together with an indemnity of six million dollars. 


14 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


It was during Lord Seymour’s residence at the La- 
drone Palace that the tragic and romantic incident took 
place which we are about to relate. The establishment 
was then presided over by the earl’s daughter, the most 
beautiful girl in the English peerage. The terrible 
experience which the girl endured at that time greatly 
endeared her to the people of Victoria, and served to 
increase the popular interest in the romantic old 
embassy. 


CHAPTER II. 


FAIR LUCIA SEYMOUR. 

/^\UR story opens at the earliest dawn-light of a bright 
spring day, in the far-away “ flowery kingdom ” of 
Kitai, or Cathay, as China had been termed by the 
people of mediaeval Europe from their earliest knowledge 
of the empire. 

Early as it was, many an adoring eye among the offi- 
cers having the deck-watch on the naval vessels had 
long been watching the skyward balcony of the Ladrone 
Palace, seeking the usual morning vision which appeared 
with great regularity at dawn on all pleasant days. Not 
over-long had the impatient devotees of Eros to wait ere 
a young girl burst into view, and was seen leaning far 
out from one of the vine-clad, apertures of her lofty 
eyrie. Standing thus for a moment with her arms out- 
stretched to the western sky, as if greeting some spirit- 
faced Celestial among the stars, she at length kneeled 
upon a cushioned seat of the balcony, with her small 
white hands clasped upon her breast, and her head 
raised in attitude of prayer, like one forgetful of all 
else while thus occupied with her morning devotions : 
looking the pure, sweet maiden that she was reputed 
to be. 

It was fair Lucia Seymour, daughter of the Earl of 
St. Clare, and the pet niece of Sir Michael Seymour, 

15 


16 


THE WEECK OF THE GIIEYHOUND. 


admiral of the fleet. She had come forth upon the 
flower-laden balcony, as was her wont, to indulge in her 
morning orisons. Brief were the glances that she gave 
to the slumbering bay beneath, or bestowed upon the 
dawn-touched mountain which enclosed the opposite 
coast of Kow-Loon in the east. Yet long and reverently, 
did the devout girl gaze upward into the glimmering 
faces of the few lingering stars still seen twinkling in 
the western sky. Might it not be that the laggard stars 
had lingered for a glimpse of the sweet-faced maiden, 
just awakened from her couch, fresh and pure, who had 
turned to seek her saintly mother in the blue ether, 
whose angel face she knew was peering earthward upon 
her child during this antelucan hour ? 

It was the anniversary of a memorable dawn-hour in 
dear old England, when the countess died four sad 
years before. Dying, she had bidden her broken- 
hearted child to be comforted, and promised that she 
would watch over her in spirit from the higher balcony 
of heaven, ever ready to listen to her childish confes- 
sions to the All-Wise, whose loving ear would surely 
bend to her just petitions and accept her heartfelt praise. 

Lady Lucia was a young English blonde, with gray- 
blue eyes, fair hair, and a small girlish face sweet as a 
spring blossom fresh with April dews. She had the 
slim, lithe, graceful figure of a girl still lingering in the 
full-sheaved autumn of her teens. Nineteen years is an 
age when a maiden’s glances daily grow more tender 
and sympathetic, and her voice more melodious, whether 
she addresses a pet bird or appeals with holy invocations 
to a star. What a bewitching riddle a girl then becomes 


THE EARL’S DAUGHTER. 


IT 


to herself ! What an enigma to her dull-eyed friends ! 
It is the evolution of womanhood, when the soul acquires 
breadth, depth, and spirituality ; and the rhythmical emo- 
tions of the heart become a daily surprise, so tuneful, 
tender, and far-reaching are its yearnings for companion- 
ship with one of her kind. 

Coming fresh from her couch, Lucia was daintily 
attired in a morning negligee of some soft orange-colored 
fabric, its texture slightly veined with red, as if the 
dainty vesture had caught its rich creamy yellow from 
the orient sky. Her rich brown hair remained undressed 
and unbound, and fell in silky masses about her lissome 
form with all the freedom of a wind-blown waterfall. 
A soft, serene halo flitted about the girl’s head, a singular 
reflection from the fast increasing dawn-light, until she 
appeared to the adoring onlookers of the far-down bay 
like a pure white soul standing in a choir of angels, and 
joining in their melodious invocations to the Most High; 
as Lucia always ended her devotions by singing a touch- 
ing hymn, once sung at the deathbed of her mother. 

Hot much attention had the devout girl bestowed upon 
the attractive bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong bay, with 
its mixed fleets of English and French naval vessels, 
sentineled by the glittering bayonets of the marine 
guards seen pacing the bows and quarters of the great 
warships. Nor yet had she deigned to glance at the 
numerous junks, or smuggling fast-boats, dangerous craft 
pierced for fifty oars and carrying a central row of 
cannon, together with countless sampans, all nestled 
along the shore like a vast covey of sea-birds slumbering 
in the bronze waters of the bay. 


18 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


But now came the long rumbling roar of the gun-fire 
from the great line-of-battle ship, echoing and re-echoing 
back and forth from the cliff to Kow-Loon point. Ere 
the concussion of the cannon had ceased to be felt upon 
the girl’s cheek, one of the marine bands struck up a 
spirit-stirring strain of martial music, — a tumultuous 
greeting to the rising sun. The din of the cannon and 
the resonant bugle-call, one or both, broke rudely in 
upon the sweet revery of the maiden on the balcony, 
until she at length gave somewhat of her attention to 
the charming marine picture spread far and wide beneath 
her gaze. 

A novel transition now took place before the courtly 
young officers of the fleet, many of whom were of noble 
birth and had entree at the embassy. The nun-like 
devotee, whom they had spied upon at her worship dur- 
ing the past hour, suddenly became transformed into an 
exultant, peerless beauty. The observant and joyous girl 
now stood with proudly poised head, dilated nostrils, 
and beaming eyes, noting everything that transpired 
over all the hyaline waters of the bay. 

After nearly a full hour of cheering martial music the 
band played the usual finale, God Save the Queen. The 
sweet home-loving air came grateful as a benediction 
over the intervening waters, reverberating strangely 
among the jagged rocks of the cliff, producing a weird 
accompaniment of quivering echoes that thrilled the 
young girl with delight. 

As the last plaintive strain of the loved national hymn 
came welling up to the balcony, a venerable nobleman 
stepped out from an adjoining chamber and came nimbly 


THE EARL OF ST. CLARE. 


19 


forward with pleasant stateliness to greet his daughter. 
The new-comer was the courtly old Earl of St. Clare, 
between whom and Lucia there existed a charming 
degree of companionship rarely witnessed between such 
extremes of age. The Earl ended his paternal salutation 
by suggesting to his daughter : 

“ Lucia, dear, you had better let Irene order our coffee 
served out here this morning. Let Chung Wah bring 
on the lunch at once, as I have early work to accomplish 
in perfecting my despatches.” 

“Yes, papa, presently. Isn’t it a clear, delicious 
morning ? What with the blossoms in the garden, the 
saline breeze sweeping up from the sea, and the gor- 
geous sunrise over yonder mountains, it has impressed 
your little daughter more than usual, and I would have 
you give just one moment to the sweet influence before 
any one is permitted to intrude upon us.” 

“It is indeed a soul-filling picture, my daughter; 
peaceful, beautiful, charming ! It seems less hazy than 
usual along the coast and over the landscape, and what 
mist there is is hastening to the sea, fleeing like an 
army of ghosts before the golden lance-thrusts of the 
sun. It is lovely, but I must be up and doing. I 
designed to take the American steamer up to Canton 
to-day, but that plan has been interfered with by some 
late despatches sent last night by Sir Michael.” 

“ Was my uncle here, himself, last night ? ” queried 
the girl, when she returned from ordering the morning 
lunch. 

“Ho, my dear; he sent me word by his Flag Lieutenant. 
My Lord Hertford importuned me to let him see you. 


20 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


But it was late, and, considering how little you are 
pleased with the company of your cousin, I persuaded 
him that his request was untimely.” 

“ Oh, thanks ! you dear, good papa. You deserve to 
be smothered in kisses, for your very judicious manage- 
ment of my insipid cousin Hertford.” 

“ And yet I stand here wondering when I am to be 
remunerated for my nice diplomacy.” 

Instantly two dimpled little hands seized the long 
white whiskers of the old nobleman, and a pair of rose- 
bud lips began to pay the Earl in the required coin, 
promptly on demand, renewing her thanks in a most 
melodious voice, full of fun and affection, as soon as she 
could get her breath, — 

“Pa, that foppish fellow importunes me with his 
silliness more than I can bear. No person so blind as 
one who, having eyes, will not see. None so difficult to 
teach the thorough disesteem which we have for him as 
one who deems himself gifted with the wisdom of Solo- 
mon and the beauty of Apollo Belvedere,” and the 
impetuous girl leaned her head coquettishly against her 
father’s shoulder as if bent upon enlisting him in her 
cause. 

“Well, my child, Hertford is to you but one of the 
countless trifling ills of life. Petty annoyances bestowed 
by the divine Father to inculcate patience and forbear- 
ance toward our fellow-men. Remember, Lucia, to 
accept the importunities of your cousin as the needed 
school in which to acquire graciousness, — well knowing 
that the native arrogance of the Seymours of Moorland 
Castle needs to be softened, else so many of our 


THE DUKES OF SOMERSET. 


21 


family would not have come to the block in centuries 
back.” 

“But, papa, most of our grand old progenitors were 
beheaded without due cause, you will admit ? ” 

“And some of them, my child, escaped such a fate 
who well deserved it. The rightly called ‘ Proud Duke 
of Somerset ’ was one of them, in the time of James II. 
Though I cannot but admit that Edward Seymour, Duke 
of Somerset, was wrongfully beheaded, not so with 
his brother, the treacherous admiral. But they lived 
during boisterous times. Their sister, Jane Seymour, 
being queen to Henry YIII., brought the duke danger- 
ously near to the throne ; for, as the king loaded him with 
favors, many another noble became jealous of his great- 
ness. When, after the king’s death, he was made Pro- 
tector of England and guardian of his nephew, Edward 
VI., then the crafty Earl of Warwick, aided by the 
duke’s brother, fastened a false charge of treason upon 
him, and he was beheaded.” 

“ What a vile wretch the admiral must have been, to 
thus help to pull down the great head of his house, one 
who had become the first peer in the land. What 
possessed that man to do it ? ” 

“Thomas Seymour, the lord high admiral, was as 
jealous of the duke as the worst of his enemies. 
Thomas had married Catherine Parr, one of the late 
king’s widows. When she died, the admiral became the 
suitor of Princess Elizabeth. By supplanting the Pro- 
tector, the base brother hoped to further his suit with 
the princess. But when Thomas had helped Warwick 
to destroy the good duke, then the treacherous earl 


22 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


turned upon the lord admiral, and easily brought him 
to the block, and he deserved his fate.” 

“But those nobles lived far back previous to the 
reigns of 1552. Tell me, pa, did not the Seymours become 
more tractable subjects to the king by such examples ? ” 

“Not much to boast of. More than one hundred 
years since the Protector’s time, another Edward Sey- 
mour, Duke of Somerset, great-grandson of the first, 
mortally offended James I. by secretly marrying the 
king’s cousin, Arabella Stuart. Eor this she was im- 
prisoned in the Tower, became insane, and died from 
grief; while ‘the arrogant duke came very near being 
brought to the block.” 

“ Thank the Lord, papa, that there is no such arbitrary 
penalty overhanging the hereditary temperament of the 
Seymours of our time. And truly, pa, your little 
daughter needs no such terrible menace as the block or 
the Tower to induce her to become a meek little citizen 
of Victoria’s reign.” 

“Well said, my girl. But how would it be if our 
good queen should give you a fair choice between Lord 
Hertford and the Tower, — what then ? ” The graceful 
creature towered to her utmost height, clenching her 
tiny fist as if it grasped a battle-axe, and never did blue 
eyes flash such gleams of defiance as Lucia’s meek little 
orbs, as she replied, — 

“ Even the block, papa, in preference to my insipid 
cousin Hertford. Ay, even that odious billet of wood 
upon which our great nobles died, and where beautiful 
J ane Grey and Lord Dudley gave up their newly wedded 
lives, soon after.” 


EVEN THE BLOCK, PAPA ! 


23 


In answer to his high-spirited daughter, the aged Earl 
held out his arms to his child, and with tearful eyes 
took the proud and beautiful creature to his breast, 
having demonstrated to the satisf acton of them both 
that the spirit of justice and liberty was as much a 
heredity of the Seymours now as of yore. The long 
past history of the family had been a proud, albeit a sad 
one, and a discussion of the injustice done to their great 
ancestors was ever a sorrowful topic for the present 
recipients of the name. 


CHAPTER III. 


THE BEAUTIFUL CLIPPER. 

A LIGHT lacquerware table, containing the morn- 
ing lunch, was now wheeled up to the balustrade 
where the Earl stood, and father and daughter seated 
themselves at the sunrise repast in a subdued and tender 
mood. Lady Lucia sat facing the east, where she could 
look far away in a seaward direction nearly to the Ly- 
Moon pass. Suddenly the girl’s face lighted with a 
flush of delight, as she exclaimed, — 

“ Oh, look ! papa, see that beautiful clipper vessel. 
How like a bird on the wing she comes dashing down 
the bay. She approaches North Head as fleet as a race- 
horse.” 

“ Rather a small ship. She is a round-sterned craft, 
beautifully curved at the bows, and carries herself as 
gracefully as a gull. The trim set of her sails, her 
fleetness of foot, and the wonderful symmetry of every- 
thing about her, serve to impart a sense of her con- 
scious pride.” 

“ So they do, papa. How jauntily she carries that tiny 
skysail. And what a pretty flag of red and blue she has 
fluttering above the sail. 0 my! how she careens to 
those strong puffs blowing down from the gullies ; the 
squalls make her curvet like a war-horse.” 

“The sunlight is just bursting over the hill-tops, and 
24 


THE “FLEETWING.” 


'25 


makes a pretty effect where it gilds the tops of the 
royals to the color of gold.” 

“An able artist might sketch a spirited marine. 
What a pity it should be lost ! Note the strong relief 
imparted to the white-sailed ship seen against the dark 
background of Devil’s Peak. The hills rimmed with 
sunlight, and the waters about the ship in such deep 
shadow that the foam about her bow gleams with a 
ghostly whiteness.” 

“ Lucia, it is truly a fine picture for you to impress 
upon your mind, and paint at your leisure for the gallery 
at Moorland Castle.” 

“You are just expressing my own thought, papa. I 
am noting all the striking points of interest, and hope 
to secure some of the chief values of the scene.” 

“See, my child, now, while the vessel swerves from 
her course, is not the flag at her peak flying at half- 
mast ? ” 

“ Truly, you are right, papa. Death has been aboard 
of the beautiful vessel, just as he invades -our loved 
homes on the land.” 

“Yes, my precious child. ‘In the midst of life we are 
in death ! ’ Why, she is an American, with her Union 
of stars and stripes.” 

A shadow stole swiftly over the animated faces of 
parent and child, and hot tears flooded their eyes. 
Theirs was a household wherein Death had presided 
more than once in the past decade, draping their mano- 
rial arms in the attributes of woe. On this account the 
earl had been admonished to take this last scion of a 
long line of nobles abroad; hoping by the attrition 


26 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


of travel and an ever-changing scene to disabuse his 
daughter’s mind of her ever-present grief, and in a meas- 
ure heal the terrible heart-wound caused by the loss of 
her mother. 

“ Oh, papa, how strange it is that the mere position 
of the ship’s beautiful flag should cast a gloom over our 
joy. — Irene, run and bring the field-glass for his Lord- 
ship, and fetch my largest lorgnette.” 

Irene brought the glasses. In a moment the Earl and 
Lucia were busily occupied inspecting everything on board 
the attractive stranger. Presently both of the observers 
exclaimed in a breath, “ Fleetwing ! ” — slowly spelling 
out the word, blue-lettered on a field of red, upon the 
colors flying from the main-truck. Father and daughter 
laid aside their glasses, and sounded over the pretty 
name as if it pleased them, and both turned to their 
lunch with a sigh of relief. 

“ Isn’t that an appropriate name for the dainty vessel ? ” 

“Yes, my child, and it has a pleasing sound. Ah, 
there is a boat just leaving the flagship, and I think it 
is pulling to intercept the new-comer.” 

“So there is, papa. And there’s Uncle Seymour him- 
self on the poop-deck. He is evidently questioning the 
quartermaster about the vessel which has so awakened 
our interest.” 

And the two sipped their coffee in silence, and nibbled 
their crisp slices of graham toast with small show of 
appetite. Imbued in thought, they watched the Fleet- 
wing come dashing down past Kellet’s Island, jetting a 
small bur-wave from her sharp cutwater, but with never 
a bubble of foam seen in her wake. Breaking the si- 


THE DEATH-FLAG. 


27 


lence, — the pensive mood of two over-full hearts, — Lucia 
called upon the servant behind her father’s chair, her 
maid being absent, — 

“ More coffee, Chung Wah. Papa, won’t you have 
your cup replenished upon this occasion ? ” 

“No, my daughter. I thought you rarely duplicated 
your morning cup.” 

“Not often, but this delicious Minnehassa seems the 
best ever shipped from Ceylon. For some reason I crave 
it this morning more than usual. Something about this 
beautiful ship’s appearance in our midst, with a death 
flag at her gaff — a crape on her door, as it were — has 
awakened my sympathy and created a world of interest 
for those on board. Why, papa, I feel like taking wing 
and flying to the succor of the grief stricken ones on 
board of her.” 

“I can understand your feelings, Lucia. I, too, take 
an unaccountable interest in the vessel, thus appearing 
in our midst when everything in Nature is bright and 
joyous. Yet, darling, tidings of death are most common 
to this port, between the doings of the pirates and the 
malarious river.” Lucia interrupted her father by 
exclaiming, — 

“There goes the harbor-master’s boat. The cutter 
from the flagship and two fleet whaleboats have just 
boarded the Fleetwing. See how she swerves from her 
course, papa. Why, look, she is heading over toward 
Kow-Loon point.” 

“Yes, dear; she is evidently coming to anchor near 
the admiral’s ship. She heads away to obtain room to 
swing around into the wind.” 


28 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ The sailors are taking in the light sails, preparing 
to anchor.” 

“ And down go her jibs. How plainly we can hear 
the hanks rattle on the tarred stays. The jibs are so 
embayed behind the topsails that they run down with a 
rush.” 

“Look, papa, up they clew her topsails, all but the 
mizzen. How singular she looks in her undress, nothing 
on but the spanker and her hind topsail.” 

“Yes, odd enough. They are preparing to anchor. 
See the man at the port ring-stopper, while the mate 
stands on the bow ready to give the order.” 

“ Oh, papa, 1 ring-stopper 5 beats all of my nautical 
phrases. How came you by that novel sea term ? ” 

“ Why, dear, a love for the sea and all that pertains 
to it is our family birthright. Nearly every generation 
of Seymours has boasted an admiral, and I am sure even 
you have imbibed a surfeit of sea phrases from Sir 
Michael.” 

“ True enough, papa, but I have missed uncle’s lesson 
about ring-stopper. Now what is the Fleetwing doing ? 
I wonder if she will drop anchor for a “flying-moor,’ as 
uncle terms it.” 

“ I think not. That is a reckless way of anchoring. 
J udging by the care and precision in which her nautical 
evolutions are done, the officers of the Fleetwing are too 
care-taking to make ‘ flying-moors.’ That is a method 
adapted to emergencies ; it tears the copper, nags the 
cutwater, and sometimes parts the cable.” 

“Oh, I only hoped to catch you with my cute sea 
term, papa ; but I got well instructed instead. Look at 


INTUITIVE HEART-THROBS. 


29 


her now, swinging in a circle till she heads back toward 
the Ly-Moon. See the pretty creature prance about now 
that she heads the wind and tide. Why does n’t she 
drop her anchor, papa ? ” 

“ Because, dear, she is still forging ahead. To anchor 
now would risk fouling the cable by drifting back over 
the fluke of the anchor.” 

“ What a clatter her chain makes, reverberating against 
the cliff. She is clewing up the topsail and brailing the 
spanker. Lucia, dear, I don’t think that I have ever 
been quite so much interested in a strange vessel 
before.” 

“Nor I, papa. If I were the least superstitious I 
could not but believe that we are in some way to be con- 
nected with the Fleetwing. Perhaps we shall go to 
England in her.” 

“No, Lucia, I have already decided to take passage 
in the Greyhound.” 

“ Oh, papa, true as you live there is a great fluttering 
at my heart, which is in some way caused by that 
vessel.” 

“ It is a singular tradition in human experience that 
we often find ourselves strongly impressed by inanimate 
things. It seems as if yonder ship was possessed of a 
sentient soul with which to arouse our sympathies, with- 
out our reason being called to participate in the least. 
It was not wholly the colors at half-mast, for we were 
thoroughly interested before we discovered the death- 
flag. Intuition pertains more to the mental quality of 
women than men. Yet many of the finest intellects 
that I have known were gifted with this feminality. 


30 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Thus I have made it a rule to give heed to a persistent 
intuition when it directs me to my fellow-men.” 

“Dear papa, you have unriddled many of my own 
conjectures about the Fleet wing, though I am not quite 
prepared to unravel my own witches’-weavings until I 
have subjected them to greater introspection. How 
often you and I have found ourselves a unity of sympa- 
thy in past years. Tell me, papa, was my dear mother 
so impressible to everything about her ? ” 

“Yes, little daughter, you are the Countess yearly 
given back to me in more complete miniature, : ” and the 
affectionate father drew his child lovingly to his side 
and they sat in silent reflection, until the Earl discov- 
ered the admiral in his gig about to board the Fleet- 
wing, which again drew their attention to the ship. 

“ What can it all mean, papa ? ” 

“I’m sure I can’t tell. Something of unusual impor- 
tance, however, for Sir Michael is much too fat and 
bulky to be willing to climb a vessel’s side, by man- 
ropes, on any ordinary occasion.” 

“ There are two others in the boat with uncle. Who 
can they be ? The glass, Irene,” and Lucia sought a 
position where she could closely inspect the officers in 
the boat. “Oh, I can make out Captain Walsh, the 
flag-captain, and McDonald, the fleet-surgeon. How the 
mystery deepens, papa.” 

“Yes, dear, and we must make an effort to learn 
what’s going on. Chung Wah, go down to Rawl and 
Drinker’s. My compliments to Captain Drinker, and 
ask him for the earliest intelligence from the ship Fleet- 
wing, just arrived.” 


THE MYSTERY DEEPENS. 


81 


“ Yis, mi Lor’, mi sabe Mellican mane, Drinker,” and 
the coolie departed in haste, as his curiosity was as 
much aroused as his master’s. 

“ Lucia, I must leave the new-comer to you. I have 
despatches to send Governor Lin at Canton, and must 
then make ready to give audience to the Spanish official 
from Manila.” 

“Well, papa, I must confess that I am too much fas- 
cinated by this mystery to leave the balcony. I shall 
let Irene dress my hair right here, where I can watch 
further developments in the bay.” 


CHAPTER IV. 


LADY LUCIA S VISION. 


OW often in life the intuitive mind is thus 1m- 



-■ — *- pressed by the approach of unseen events, — such 
dim shadowy apparitions as confront us in dreams, hav- 
ing less substance than the scurrying mists seen a-wing 
in the far-down valleys, hastening seaward before the 
pursuing warmth of the morning sun. 

When Lady Lucia was left to herself, the visionary 
girl recalled something that transpired during the pre- 
vious evening, while, kneeling at prayer. After thank- 
ing her Heavenly Father for the daily blessings vouch- 
safed to her, she made a girl-like appeal to her long-lost 
mother, confessing a newly awakened wish for the 
companionship of one of her own age, some one to love 
her with the abounding affection of her sainted parent 
in the sky. 

In the midst of her appeal to the spiritual face ever 
present during her devotions, the girl was startled by a 
preternatural appearance which slowly traced itself out 
to her full apprehension among the stars. A just dis- 
tinguishable face seen bending lovingly over her, irradi- 
ated by a never-to-be-forgotten expression of endearment, 
a soulful look which answered to her new-born aspira- 
tion as a draught of water ministers to the insane thirst 
of a desert traveler. She did not apprehend at the time 


32 


lucia’s new-found ideal. 


33 


that the ghostly apparition was the real prescience of a 
coming event, though the illusion was as palpable to her 
mental eye as the breath on a mirror, and it vanished as 
quickly in the same eerie manner. 

However common such natural appeals may be to 
other maidens, grown impatient of their lot, girls athirst 
and enhungered for the one God-given heritage promised 
to woman, this occasion was the first recorded outburst 
of Lucia’s ardent, affectionate nature. 

Doubtless even the rare-minded Lucia had from time 
to time mentally limned a visionary semblance of the 
dear one she could adore : now modeling a strong in- 
dwelling conviction of beauty, expunging many an inad- 
missible feature; girl-like, selecting a surfeit of noble 
qualities, and rejecting every piece of base metal with 
a perceptible curl of the twin rose-buds about her mouth. 

Eeviewing the notable event in the silence of her 
chamber, after Irene had retired, was not found condu- 
cive to restful slumber. Lucia dreamed of the visionary 
face seen in the sky, and also of a full-sailed ship sailing 
proudly over the sea, as graceful as a strong-winged bird. 
■When the vessel was just vanishing over the far horizon, 
lo ! she discovered that her new-found ideal was aboard, 
and was wafting to her a familiar farewell. 

She awoke at early dawn, and went out on the balcony 
for her morning devotions, feeling for the first time in 
her life an unaccountable sense of unrest, such as fails 
not to come in the young lives of all — a period when 
girls begin their first earnest outlook for some ideal 
counterpart of their pure selves. The singular appari- 
tion of the previous night had got wofully entangled 


34 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


with the dream-ship, and both events dwelt inseparably 
in her mind. 

Well might the heart of this high-born maiden beat 
wild and fast when, in company with her father, she 
discovered her mystic dream-ship in the beautiful Fleet- 
wing. As the new-comer came bursting forth from out 
the crimson dawn-sky, so had the visionary vessel burst 
upon the dreamer from an illuminated battle-cloud on 
the sea. 

“ What next ? ” was the question propounded by every 
pulse-beat of her heart. “ What if the remaining part 
of the supernatural event should also transpire ? ” And 
the girl’s heart stood a-tiptoe, awaiting an answer from 
the inscrutable Fates. 

Was the dim archetype which Lucia’s truant heart 
had limned on the sky about to confront her with a 
living prototype of what she desired ? Some one to 
love her without constant laudation of her charms. One 
of nature’s noblemen, not schooled in insipid flattery, 
and who would esteem her for some essential qualities 
of heart and mind. How gladly could she accept the 
adulation of such a being. That such a one somewhere 
existed, and in due time would come forth and claim his 
own, had now become the supreme conviction of her 
turbulent young heart. 

Not until hours after Chung Wah had been sent away 
in search of news was there anything learned about the 
Fleetwing. While the family were at breakfast, the 
coolie appeared in a state of great trepidation, evidently 
the bearer of stirring news. 


CHUNG WAH’S STORY. 


35 


“Well, Chung Wall, stop bowing and scraping and tell 
us your news, at once,” exclaimed the Earl, as the obse- 
quious Celestial became more ceremonious as the impor- 
tance of his message dawned upon him. 

“ Mi Lor’, Mellican mane he bin muche fighte pirate. 
Pirate mane fighte he, kille too muche Mellican mane. 
Mellican mane kille too muche Chinee mane. Him 
kille Ching Along, too muche big mandarin ; chope- 
chope he top-side off. Ching Along most kille Mellican 
cap’in, when him no have got head on top-side, to make 
see Mellican mane. Ho more mi can tell, mi Lor’.” 

“Who told you all this, Chung Wah ? ” 

“ Mellican mane, Cap’in Drinker. Him speake mi ; 
‘ walke walke, go quicke make speake mi Lor.’ ” 

The sum of the coolie’s story, told in pigeon English, 
was, that the Eleetwing had been in a terrible battle 
with the pirates, in which Ching Along, the terror of 
the China seas, had been killed. The American captain 
had been nearly killed by the pirate chief, after his head 
was fairly chopped off. 

As the effect of this news was to abate further appe- 
tite for breakfast, the Earl rose and led the way out to 
the balcony. There it was discovered that Admiral 
Seymour had left the Fleetwing, after a prolonged visit, 
and, after leaving Captain Walsh aboard the Invincible, 
was now pulling in the direction of the embassy, mean- 
ing to land at the Cliff-Stair, and report the events of 
the morning to the Earl. 

Such an early visit from Sir Michael went far to con- 
firm Chung Wah’s strange story. Standing lovingly 
together in one of the eastern apertures, father and 


36 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


daughter watched the approaching boat pulling along 
the shore, the portly coxswain cautiously threading his 
way in and out among the sampans, until the Admiral 
was near enough to exchange salutations with his friends 
on the cliff. 

Lady Lucia waved her handkerchief to her jolly old 
uncle, who lifted his cocked hat with a deal of courtli- 
ness to the Earl, and with much mock gallantry kissed 
his gloved hand to his pet niece, who hung from the 
balcony daintily as a sea-bird poised in air. 

After watching the boat pull to the landing, where 
Sir Michael got out, and allowing ten minutes for the 
old sailor to tug his aldermanic proportions up three 
hundred steps cut through the damp cleft in the rocks, 
father and* daughter sauntered leisurely through the 
hall to the head of the broad stair, and there awaited the 
Admiral’s appearance. 

He came at length, toiling up the easy ascent as if he 
were scaling a castle, puffing like a porpoise, as he ex- 
tended a hand to each of his friends, hands that might 
well have done service for a whale’s pectoral fins. The 
joyous greeting over, the still breathless seaman was 
ushered through the hall to the balcony, where one of 
the two large seats belonging to the palace was kept for 
his special use. 

During the passage through the hall the old tar was 
escorted wing-and-wing, with the usual hilarious cere- 
mony; the aged Earl locked arms on one side, and the 
Admiral’s favorite lassie tugged away at her uncle’s ele- 
phantine proportions on the other wing. 

When at length Sir Michael was fairly brought to 


THE ADMIRAL’S VISIT. 


3T 


anchor in the only visible chair capacious enough to 
hold him, and had recovered his breath and gulped down 
a glass of sparkling Moselle, with a stentorian smack of 
the lips in generous commendation of the wine especially 
selected for his use, he then launched out with his 
budget of news, with the rare zest of an old sailor- 
gossip — the prince of ubiquitous news-venders. 

“St. Clare, it was the finest piece of hand-to-hand 
work, in repelling boarders, upon the whole record of 
piratical warfare.” And, assuming the important air of 
one having a mighty topic to discuss, he banged his 
colossal fist upon the balustrade until the whole edifice 
shook as from an earthquake. “ I tell you, George, there’s 
a deal to learn in the cunning artifice of some of these 
accidental combats.” 

“ Oh, uncle, spare us a total wreck upon this memo- 
rable occasion. One more such blow and the whole 
flimsy structure will tumble about our ears.” 

“ Lucia, if there’s a wee lassie we wot of, who has an 
extra buss to offer her uncle, I’ll spare my hand.” And 
his huge sides shook with laughter, which vibrated the 
balcony almost as much as his blow. 

“ It’s a bargain, you precious uncle, though you have 
already had your due allowance.” 

“ Mebby so, but after a great battle there’s an extra 
'splicing of the main brace,’ a judicious example fora 
girl to follow.” And the jolly seaman placed his arms 
akimbo, and careened his head aport, awaiting the 
tribute upon which the safety of the structure depended. 

“ By St. George of England, Lucia, those kisses were 
rightly administered.” 


38 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“You survive it well. Now, uncle, do get on with 
your story about the Fleetwing.” 

“Ay, ay, you pretty midget, I’ll warrant that you 
were out of your berth an hour earlier than usual to 
glean the news. I can vouch for seeing petticoat drapery 
fluttering on the balcony long before gun-fire.” 

“Yes, I was up with the dawn, and, you naughty man, 
you are like to keep me waiting till the sundown-gun 
before you tell the news.” 

Sir Michael, who greatly enjoyed such a passage of 
arms with his niece, now drew the slight girl to his side 
with an affectionate endearment, and proceeded with his 
story. 

“Well, my Lord George, I have got something well 
worth your attention. Three of Ching Along’s largest 
fast-boats, pierced for an hundred oars, and carrying 
three pivot guns each, tackled yonder plucky Yankee, 
and there was some of the prettiest fighting took place 
that I have known for years. 

“ After dogging the ship through the night, till nearly 
daylight, they assumed positions for boarding. The 
pirate king took the weather quarter from choice. His 
next largest vessel was ordered ahead of the ship, and, 
when signaled, she let run her sails, and dropped quietly 
back under the ship’s lee bow, meaning to board by the 
head guys and martingale. The third fast-boat was 
assigned to the lee beam, and given charge of the fire- 
ball, which was to be thrown aboard amidship, at a 
given signal, when all three crews were expected to 
board and take the ship at a dash. 

“Mark me, my lord, three hundred and fifty blood- 


BATTLE WITH PIRATES. 


39 


thirsty ruffians attacking thirty-two Americans in a night 
assault. But the nimble Yankees were as full of clever 
devices as the Indians of their great forests, and they 
set a worthy example for others in a similar warfare. 

“ Listen to me closely. The for’ard pirate vessel was 
run down, crushed and sunk by a blow from the cutwater 
of the handy ship. This was done by a quick lift of the 
weather helm, and by letting fly all the after sheets at a 
given word. None but well-disciplined men could have 
accomplished such timely maneuvers in the face of such 
impending danger. 

“At that moment the lee-beam pirate luffed, meaning 
to board amidships. A big villain flung up the lighted 
fireball, aimed fairly enough, and hoping to clear a space 
on deck for boarding. Just then the main sheet was let 
go, and the flopping clew of the sail struck the splutter- 
ing fireball, and tumbled it back among the swarm of 
armed pirates on the fast-boat, while in the act of 
boarding. 

“ This accident created among the scorched freebooters 
the wildest confusion, which was soon rendered into con- 
sternation by the shrieks of the crushed and drowning 
men on the sinking fast-boat under the ship’s bow, which 
events delayed their assault upon the Fleetwing. 

“During all this time, Ching Along, the great admiral 
who has foiled- our ships for twenty years, had closed 
for action on the weather quarter, not knowing what 
had transpired on the other two fast-boats. Swarming 
his men up over the stern and quarter of the Fleet- 
wing, the gigantic leader would have captured the ship 
in a twinkling but for the lucky stroke of a whirling 


40 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


y spade, in the hands of the third mate. This broad- 
bladed instrument lopped oS~The~head~Y)f the pirate 
king, and gave the Fleetwing’s crew a moment to 
rally. 

“Ching Along was in the act of cutting down the 
American captain with his great two-handed sword at 
the instant his head was cut off, and such was the force 
imparted to his ponderous weapon that it completed its 
work though in the hands of a headless man. The cap- 
tain’s fall appalled the Fleetwing’s men. The battle 
trembled in the balance, and the day seemed lost for a 
time.” 

The Admiral paused, indulged in a little puffing to 
replenish his wind, and sought another glass of the too 
convenient Moselle, and then turned the conversation 
from the Earl to his daughter. 

“ Lucia, 411 y pink of posies, Captain Lawrence of the 
Fleetwing is one of Nature’s noblemen. He is a hand- 
some, manly fellow. One to fill a breach, and hold it 
against all comers. A man to lead a forlorn hope just 
for the pleasure and peril it brings. 

“ While the most important blow was the spade-cut, 
given by Uncle Joe, an old colored officer, yet the day 
was lost beyond recall but for the marvelous skill in 
pistol-shooting by the brave young captain. When 
mortally wounded and nearly blinded by the mist of 
death, he coolly lodged a dozen minie-balls in the 
heads and hearts of as many pirates, as they rushed 
upon him with uplifted sw©rds. Thus encouraged, the 
crew fought on and saved the ship.” 

“Oh, Uncle Seymour, Captain Lawrence must indeed 


THE WOUNDED CAPTAIN. 


41 


be a noble man, and brave as a lion. Do you think his 
wounds are mortal ? ” 

“Our fleet surgeon thinks they are. But I believe 
with good nursing and judicious care that a man of such 
pluck and nerve ought to pull through. He is now 
threatened with traumatic fever, which, in this climate, 
with such an ugly wound, is likely to run high. The 
danger that Dr. McDonald most fears is pyaemia, or 
blood-poisoning.” 

“You’ll see to it, dear uncle, that he has the best of 
attention, won’t you ? I know you will. Oh, how it 
thrills me to hear of such heroic deeds. And you say 
that he is fine-looking, too, uncle ? ” 

“Yes, dear, he bears the imprint of nobility in 
manner and mien. Ho one can mistake the handsome 
fellow for other than he is.” 

“ Tell me everything that you can think of about him, 
uncle.” 

“ Ah, ha ! my wee sma’ lassie, I canna promise too 
much about the gentleman without the busses are forth- 
coming thick and fast. Heigh ho, the chances are get- 
ting sma’ for an oo’ lad like me, when a young hero 
comes to the fore.” The old seaman indulged in a rude 
guffaw at Lucia’s expense, and ended by solacing him- 
self with another glass of wine, while his niece gayly 
responded, — 

“You jolly, good uncle, you aren’t very old, only a 
few tons too fat. How, truly, I think you get kisses 
enough without resorting to such terrible measures of 
coercion.” 

“ Ah, lassie, it’s easier to compel a treaty, whether of 


42 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


amity or kisses, with, your guns double-shotted, and 
springs on the cable.” 

“ Well, Father Neptune, how many extra ones must 
I promise for a daily report of strict attention to the 
wounded captain ? ” 

“ Possibly an old cove like me might manage to starve 
upon a dozen extra ones, duly selected, and daily admin- 
istered. Mind, Lucia, not one of the dainty busses must 
be soured by too frequent contact with my flag-lieu- 
tenant.” 

This sally induced the Earl and the Admiral to indulge 
in a little raillery at the maiden’s expense, which she 
rebutted by her pert reply. 

“We shall not limit you to short rations in the com- 
modity required, provided you acquit yourself well on 
two vital points : viz., constant attention to Captain 
Lawrence, and proper regard for my feelings by confining 
your peacock of a lieutenant more to his ship duties.” 

St. Clare was now called away to give audience to the 
Spanish commissioner from Luzon. After a little more 
earnest talk upon the matter in hand, Lucia and her 
uncle prepared to separate. The Admiral was about to 
betake himself to his boat, after securing the first instal- 
ment of confection from Lucia, when they were inter- 
rupted by the gun-fire of the war steamer Barracuda, as 
she got under way and steamed toward the Ly-Moon. 
Sir Michael explained that he had ordered the vessel 
out to look over the battle-ground, and see what could be 
found after such a desperate encounter. 


CHAPTER V. 


THE WOUNDED HERO. 


HARLES LAWRENCE, captain of the Fleetwing, 



was a young, athletic, handsome person of twenty- 
four years, a fine specimen of the active, sinewy seaman, 
— one thoroughly trained in the use of all weapons used 
in the contentions of men. His life among the perils 
and adventures of whalemen had been a fit training for 
his native daring, when battling with the monsters of 
the deep. In that rough school he developed his great 
gift of ingenuity, and found abundant opportunity to 
display his instant readiness for any emergency. 

Though a quiet, unassuming man in moments of 
repose, having studious tastes and retiring habits, it 
needed but the sudden call of peril to arouse him into 
the intense action of a born leader, — a central figure 
around which all men gladly gather in times of danger, 
ready to follow wherever they may be led. Whether in 
combat with savage men or fighting his terrible battles 
with whales, when brought into supreme action with any 
foe worthy of his steel, Captain Lawrence was one to 
flash like a meteor, bearing all before him with the rush 
and rumble of a whirlwind. 

The capture of the Pirate King, a herculean warrior, 
and leader of a horde of giants as big as himself, deemed 
the most ferocious and bloodthirsty freebooters in the 


43 


44 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


China seas, rightfully gave Lawrence a world-wide fame. 
Ching Along had probably robbed and sunk more than 
a thousand vessels during the past twenty years, most of 
which belonged to English merchants, against whom he 
bore a murderous hate, and with all-sufficient cause. 

Until the Fleetwing brought Ching Along in among 
a heap of slain, it was the popular belief that the great 
admiral bore a charmed life, and could neither be killed 
nor captured. He was known to have once been a 
wealthy mandarin, who lived at Canton, and was a cousin 
of Governor Lin. Descended from Koxinga, the greatest 
of the ancient sea-kings, he came rightly by his renown. 

Considerable of Ching Along’s history had been 
brought to light recently, when Captain Walsh’s well- 
planned naval expedition failed to capture him in the 
great Fo-Chow fight. At that time Governor Dinsmore 
offered five thousand dollars reward for the admiral’s 
head. Because of that price set upon his head, the 
king’s piracies greatly increased in ferocity, and many 
a troublesome official was thenceforth kidnapped and 
carried into slavery at the unknown pirate isles ; while 
others were openly assassinated in public places, or 
secretly murdered in bed while peacefully sleeping in 
the midst of their families. A bold, bad man’s methods 
of revenge upon English commerce and English' people, 
because of the grievous wrongs inflicted upon him by the 
lawless East India Company, before its charter expired. 

For the brilliant deed of killing this incarnate devil, 
and many of his followers, Captain Lawrence was at 
once made the local hero of the day. A well-merited 
measure of meed, bestowed with an unanimity of praise 


lucia’s hero-worship. 


45 


rarely accorded to mortal. Though the wounded hero 
asserted that he had done nothing more than any brave 
man would have accomplished, his modest demeanor 
and unconscious nobility served but to increase his 
popularity. 

It is a notable fact that the fair women of Victoria 
and Kow-Loon were first to proclaim Charles Lawrence 
a born hero — women who had lost husbands and fathers 
by the hand of the fiendish sea-robber. What wonder 
that bright eyes dwelt kindly upon such a paragon, and 
loving hearts coveted his attention after such a stupen- 
dous victory ? Citizens of every rank, military as well 
as naval men, vied with each other to do him honor when 
he finally rallied from his deadly wound, and appeared 
in public with a pallid face and an arm triced in a sling. 

With such achievements to awaken the sympathy of 
the fair sex, what wonder that an impetuous girl like 
Lucia Seymour — schooled in a life of self-reliance, and 
annoyed by the homage of inferior-minded men — should 
join in the hero-worship of the day, and become so infat- 
uated with this “Nature’s nobleman” that she divined 
before she saw him that he was worthy to % possess her 
imperious heart ? Having filled her mind with the 
innate manliness of the wounded hero, it was not strange 
that she became impatient to see him, or that she should 
prompt her ease-loving uncle to make superhuman 
efforts in his behalf. 

Never before had the fastidious girl so prized her high 
social position and rare personal charms. Her rank and 
vast wealth — held in her own right — placed her some- 
what in command of the situation. Her father’s appro- 


46 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


bation would absolve her in a measure from reproach, 
should she condescend to put herself in the way to be 
won by such a knight-errant. Alas ! should he lack the 
moral courage to solicit her affection, then she must 
endeavor to win his instead. 

As Captain Lawrence’s wounds at first threatened to 
be fatal, his quarters were soon transferred from the 
Fleetwing to the house of Captain Drinker, who 
was an old China trader, and junior in the American 
firm, Bawl and Drinker, shipping and commission 
merchants. 

The Captain was accompanied by Dr. Greville, his 
wounded physician, and the venerable third mate, — 
Uncle Joe Bailey, — who was a most efficient nurse. 
These, together with Tom Crawford, his oldest seaman, 
comprised Lawrence’s household ; sometimes assisted by 
one of the other officers, when another night watch was 
required in the sick-room during critical periods of the 
fever. 

Old Tom was a herculean fellow, who had been well 
drilled in the use of arms on board of a naval vessel 
when young. A faithful, courageous sailor, and just the 
one to officiate as chief body-guard while the town was 
so filled with rumors of assassination, as the enraged 
pirates swarmed the port in disguise, intent upon 
revenge for the death of their leader. 

Both civil and naval authorities were greatly aroused 
upon the occasion. A strong police force of Lascars 
nightly watched the Queen-street entrance, though it 
was barred and bolted, while a boat-guard, with a squad 
of marines from the warships, patrolled the harbor- front 


THE DEINKER HOUSE. 


47 


* for several weeks, until tlie excitement seemed to have 
died out. 

The buildings in this part of Victoria are built of 
stone, and front upon Queen Street, the lower story 
being occupied by shops and stores, with dwellings 
abov£. The backs of the houses adjoin the sea-wall, their 
second stories being on a level with the parapet, a broad 
granite rampart made with embrasures for cannon in 
case of foreign war. 

For the convenience of business firms and the seclu- 
sion of families living over the stores, high partition 
walls of masonry are built across the rampart, shutting 
in each block of houses by itself. This plan happily 
made Lawrence’s apartments as secure as a fortress, 
and greatly facilitated the exclusion of all suspicious 
persons. 

Projecting from the water-front of the Drinker ware- 
house is a short stone jetty, built out from a strong bar- 
bican whose archway leads through under the rampart 
to the warehouse. This entrance is guarded by a heavy 
portcullis, which is kept raised till a late hour at night 
for the use of people passing back and forth from 
the shipping ; but when once closed for the night, the 
portcullis is not again raised until the sunrise gun from 
the flagship. 

Just within the barbican, a flight of narrow stone 
steps leads up to the parapet where Tom stood guard, 
this being the only place of access to Lawrence’s rooms 
from the water side. The rampart was kept furnished 
with bamboo lounging-chairs, and decorated with potted 
plants, making it a pleasant place for the captains to 


48 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

assemble during their leisure hours. Here they could 
entertain their friends and watch the busy doings about 
the harbor. Here the officers and seamen from the 
Fleetwing were given free access when they came in 
answer to a signal, or to inquire about the captain. But 
no stranger was permitted to pass the jetty stair, which 
Tom jealously guarded, tramping back and forth over 
the battlement with a heavy cutlass dangling at his 
heels, and his belt embellished with navy pistols. . 

Besides these occasional jetties, there are numerous 
strong bastions projecting beyond the sea-wall, elevated 
four feet above the parapet and about fifteen feet above 
the highest flood-tide. These bastions have three em- 
brasures. They were designed for a pivot-gun, which 
could sweep the escarpment in either direction, as well 
as throw a shot across the bay. The bastions serve 
another purpose of greater consideration in times of 
peace, for they break the swift rush of tide along shore, 
as do the jetties, making quiet eddies where the sampans 
and other harbor craft can anchor in safety. 

In those days many a friendly hail came from the 
passing boats, their occupants being eager to learn the 
daily condition of the wounded captain. Some of 
the inquirers came from Kow-Loon, across the bay, 
where there is an English garrison, and where the Gov- 
ernor and other officials reside. Trailing their oars just 
clear of the sea-wall the boatmen hailed the hoary- 
headed sailor, — 

“Say, there, shipmate ! how’s the Yankee captain who 
fought the pirates ? We come from the Governor, who 
is anxious to know.” 


OLD TOM ON GUARD. 


49 


While Captain Lawrence was the sickest, old Tom 
was too much grieved to wish to talk about the sad con- 
dition of his loved commander, and would shake his 
head sadly and waft his enormous hand for the boats to 
begone. But now the current of his thoughts was con- 
vivial, and his tongue answered glibly to all comers ; 
hence his reply to the present inquirer, — 

“ Teld his Excellency thet ther cap’n am mendin’ 
stidily, thank yer. You can say, furdermore, thet ther 
1 Ole Man ’ ships ar new oar ev’ry day, an’ will soon be 
able ter pull ar race wid ther best uv yer.” This reply 
elicited a hearty cheer, as the crew gathered their oars 
and pulled back across the bay. 

Crawford made his salute in answer to the cheer, and 
resumed his guard, big with the importance of the trust 
over which he presided. Sometimes delicate notes were 
tossed into the embrasure from a passing boat, sweet- 
scented messages from some of the notable families of 
Victoria, in which a sympathetic writer sent her best 
wishes for the recovery of “our brave deliverer,” for the 
big pirate had been as much dreaded as Blue Beard of 
old. Tom grappled these embossed cards or pink-colored 
notes with the tips of his huge finger and thumb, sniffing 
at the divine exhalation with a grim smirk on his face, 
while he carried the fragrant missives to the officer of 
the sick-room ; having much the air of a callow natural- 
ist when handling his first specimen toad for microscopic 
inspection. 

Among the daily visitors at the Drinker house was the 
English Admiral, who came puffing up the jetty stairs 
with purple face and rubicund nose, always tarrying for 


50 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


a friendly chat with old Tom or Uncle Joe, whichever 
was on guard. One day Sir Michael found the invalid 
out on the rampart in a lounging-chair, and, as it was the 
first outdoor experience of the wounded man, the British 
nobleman congratulated him, and took a seat by his 
side. 

While the Admiral sat smoking his Manila and chat- 
ting quietly — whiling away his usual half-hour before 
dining at the embassy — along came Ben Buntline, 
Tom’s messmate, with a “ brick in his hat.” Ben came 
this time not so much to inquire about the captain as to 
negotiate a loan of money with Crawford to the amount 
of two fids of grog. The profound monetary discussion 
between these saline specimens greatly amused the 
Admiral, who subsequently reported the whole briny 
story to the Earl and his daughter, so we must needs 
find space to relate it. 

“ Hullo, Buntline, what’s ther lay o’ ther land wid 
yer ? ” hailed Tom, as his best-loved messmate reeled 
up the jetty stair, and confronted his guard. 

“Hullo yerself, Tommy Crawford; gin us yer flipper 
— yer long shore soger man.” 

“Why, Ben, ole boy, there’s ar drop too much in yer 
locker,” Tom replied, greatly ashamed lest the Captain 
should discover the condition of one of his best fore- 
castle men. 

“Mebby so, Tom. I’s bin dining out wid ther Com- 
prador (marketman). Ther Pigtail had sum bang-up 
fodder, chicken fixin’s an’ chow-chow, but his grog wuz 
lite, swash-about stuff. How, ole Ben has nary a shot in 
ther locker ter buy ar good, stiff reef tops’il drink.” 


THE TIPSY SAILOR. 


51 


“But you’ve spliced yer braces plenty ’nough, Ben. 
Haul yer wind an’ go aboard, ole shipmate. Cap’n 
wouldn’t like ter see his best fo’castle man half seas 
over. Go aboard an’ pipe down fur ar snooze.” 

“ Avast ther, Tom. My ’spects ter Cap’n, hope he’s 
gittin’ out o’ limbo. How’s yer on fur ther jingle, 
Tommy ? Charity am one o’ ther ten cumman’ments, 
’member. Come, tote us the price uv ar couple o’ stiff 
horns, jist ter steddy ther swash-about stuff in me bread- 
locker.” 

“Ho, nary a red, me hearty. Ye’s down by ther head 
now, an’ don’t mind ar spoke uv yer helm.” 

“ All bosh, maty. I’m stanch ez ar long boat.” 

“Ho, Ben, yer lurch about like ar sampan in ar tide- 
rip. Hail ar dingy, an’ go ’board fur ar snooze,” per- 
sisted Crawford. 

“Hot I, ole ’Tucket. Why, Tom, I’m sorry ter sez it 
uv ar ole shipmate, but ye’s ar leedle ther wuz fur bad 
whisky yerself.” 

“ Dry up, yer boozy lubber.” 

“Sorry ter sez it uv ar onct ’spectable friend. It’s 
you what careens ter yer garboard strake. Pity ther 
Cap’n should see his best fo’castle man drunk ez ar 
fiddler.” 

“ Oh, ho ! Is thet ther lay o’ ther land ? Why, Ben, 
ye’s mistook ther parson fur ther devil this time, an’ 
confessed to ther wrong feller. Yer knows Long Tom 
never h’ists aboard his grog ’cept ther ’casion suits fur 
ar full cargo, well stowed, an’ offen renewed.” 

“All bosh, Tom. Ye’s so tight now, thet ’taint jist 
’spectable fur ar nice lad o’ my sort ter keep yer com- 


52 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


pany. So I’ll take ar Sedan, and go call on the Consul. 
I’m ar ship in distress, yer see ; a craft short o’ water, 
an’ sugar, an’ grog. I’ll go an’ ’gotiate a bill uv ex- 
change, wid ther ’Merican ’Ficial, fur two Cape Horn 
drinks, swash my timbers ef I don’t.” 

And this best of the Nantucket seamen rolled un- 
steadily away on his official mission to the American 
Consul, while good-natured Crawford puffed away at his 
pipe, and paced the granite rampart, intent upon the 
duty in hand, though he loved his grog on befitting 
occasions as well as his tipsy shipmate. 


CHAPTER VI. 


sir Michael’s elixir of love. 

~T^vAYS ran on into weeks since the arrival of the 
Fleetwing at Hong Kong. The sudden interest 
acquired in the young American captain had deepened 
into a popular appreciation of his heroism, especially 
while his life hung in the balance, until his deeds were 
now the theme of wonder and praise in every social 
circle. 

While the uncertain and fluctuating condition of 
Lawrence’s wounds became the topic of frequent con- 
versation throughout Victoria, at the Ladrone Palace 
an ever-increasing sympathy was awakened among the 
chief residents, and many a prayerful appeal was offered 
by one little heart for his recovery. 

Lady Lucia had openly possessed herself of the image 
of the heroic captain, assuming it as a preternatural 
God-gift, sent her in answer to a girlish plea for the 
companionship of one worthy of her love. Though the 
confiding girl had taken her father into her confidence, 
she had only permitted her gossiping old uncle to wit- 
ness the great interest she felt in his protege , as a means 
of spurring the corpulent and indolent man to do his 
best for the comfort of the wounded hero. 

Who can tell the architectural process of a young 
affection, new-born in the heart of a fastidious maiden ? 
Who can appreciate a girl’s sense of isolation when thus 

53 


54 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


yearning for companionship of the one only being who 
can fulfill her allotted destiny ? How gladly Lady Lucia 
had seized upon the flimsy prediction of her vision and 
her dream, and made the ideal presentment of her 
desires conform to a pleasing likeness of the new-found 
hero, in whom all saw something to admire. 

Daily the girl’s heart grew more tender and pre- 
occupied with her unseen idol. Often in the silence of 
her chamber, and beneath the stars when on the balcony, 
where she consorted with her spirit mother and the 
angel companions, Lucia’s prayers for the “ dear young 
captain ” became earnest and prolonged. When at 
length his convalescence was assured, and the girl’s 
daily predictions of his recovery were fulfilled, well 
might the beautiful supplicant assume that Divine 
agency had again answered to her heartfelt appeals. 

While the Earl had not been an indifferent observer 
of the novel transition going on in his daughter — being 
willing to leave her to the subtle intuitions of her own 
pure heart — it devolved upon the sagacious old Admiral 
to daily fathom the changing hues of Lucia’s sympathies 
for the wounded Captain. 

Though Lady Lucia would not confess her heaven- 
born vision to Sir Michael, yet from time to time he had 
divined her intense mood of unrest, and shrewdly 
endeavored to add an item of daily fuel to the swiftly 
growing sentiment which he discovered while yet the 
divine flame was but a farthing candle, believing it to 
be a providential intervention for good, provided for his 
pet young niece by the “ sweet little cherub that sits up 
aloft to watch o’er the life of poor Jack.” 


THE DOXOLOGY OF LOVE. 


55 


Herein may be found a partial key-note to the English 
admiral’s extravagant liking for the American captain. 
True, the Admiral had been honestly captivated by the 
marvelous skill and courage displayed by Lawrence in 
the pirate fight, and he had gladly set the example of 
glorifying such heroic deeds. But Sir Michael loved 
his wine and ease too much to devote his time to any 
one but Lucia. Thus the wounded man would soon 
have been left to the professional care of the surgeon, 
but for the pet niece, who was like the star of Bethle- 
hem to this woman-loving sailor. 

So, during Admiral Seymour’s occasional visits to the 
Drinker house, the jolly old Briton frequently lauded 
the beauties of Lady Lucia to the convalescing Captain, 
for an old sailor loves dearly to gossip, and is as much 
given to match-making as a country modiste — not 
wholly subscribing to the doxology that love matches 
are made in heaven. 

From him Lawrence learned that Lady Lucia Seymour 
was the handsomest peeress in England. She was de- 
scribed to the wide-eyed sailor as a slim, graceful girl 
with tender blue eyes, veiled with long dark lashes and 
arched with softly penciled brows. Eyes capable of ex- 
pressing fun and frolic, or deepening their blue into an 
imperious dignity ; a trait fallen to her down through 
the centuries from the arrogant Dukes of Somerset, who 
had mated with kings and queens in the long gone 
past. 

Such was the Admiral’s daily tattle about the charming 
qualities of his beloved niece. He never tired of por- 
traying the beauties of her chestnut hair and rosebud 


56 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


lips, painting her charms in his quaint, rich coloring of 
nautical phrases, ravishing the ear of the wounded man 
with visionary pictures of what u might yet be,” if he 
would but “ hurry up ” and get well. What an incentive 
was this to live ! Who would consent to die and be 
ferried to the Plutonian shore with such, a star-beam 
shining in his Orient ? Such was Lawrence’s conclusion, 
and he lived. 

“ Ah, Captain,” the cunning old seaman would exclaim, 
as day after day he found his young protege hovering on 
the dark border. “ Ah, Captain, if I were a youngster 
of four-and-twenty like you, I wouldn’t die, with such a 
sweet boon in promise. Neither would I consent to lay 
upon the skids or in the dry dock over-long, with so much 
to live for.” 

In reply to such an enticing harangue, all the blood 
in Lawrence’s veins found its way to his face. So often 
had these charming pictures been limned by the Admiral 
that Lawrence came at length to believe that it might 
not be a mere will-o’-the-wisp which he dangled before 
him with the humane intent of coaxing him back into 
life again. 

After Lawrence had once grappled with the enticing 
thought of being an object of interest to Lady Lucia, 
and had suffered the rose-hued idea to nestle snugly 
about his heart, the tenderly cherished sentiment daily 
acquired growth, as the weeks of pain went by, until 
his maimed body began to glow with returning health. 
Then he found himself eagerly questioning his noble 
visitor about the dreamy myth of a girl whose beauty 
had so bedizened his weak brain in the past. 


sir Michael’s argument. 


57 


“It is very kind of you, Admiral, to entertain a sick 
man with such pleasant descriptions of your niece. 
But when you try to bolster up a cripple like me with 
the notion that a person of rank can have more than a 
passing interest in my affairs, you are alluring me by 
false colors.” 

“Nay, my lad, you are all adrift in your reckoning. 
I speak the truth when I say that the girl has taken an 
interest in you since the day of your arrival, and she 
now openly expresses a strong preference for you. Just 
how this all came about, I can’t tell. It’s a strange 
affair to me, but it’s true.” 

“ My noble friend, it is very kind of you to ignore the 
impassable gulf between our social positions. I cannot 
imagine Lady Seymour associating with any one short 
of the peerage. To do so would be an outrage upon her 
birthright.” 

“I tell you, Captain, my little Lucia is a girl who 
thinks for herself. Nobility of character is a supreme 
quality with her. Give her merit and mental caliber, 
and she don’t care a whit for the mere accident of birth. 
See how she scorns and snubs my first luff — a born peer 
of an old family. He has no more chance with her than 
you have of going to the moon.” 

“ It is a charming method of rescuing such a wreck as 
I am, and I fully appreciate your friendly motive. I 
think you must see for yourself, Admiral, that I am 
thriving nicely on your ethereal diet.” 

“ Right, my boy. Fly your Blue Peter a little higher 
every day, and I’ll live to match the finest pair of lovers 
in all the land. What does our surgeon say about your 
progress to-day ? ” 


58 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“Dr. McDonald thinks that I am gaining strength 
rapidly, and is greatly surprised that my wounds close 
so steadily. I can indorse his prognosis. See how 
easily I can exercise a little already,” and the enthused 
fellow got up from his lounging-chair and walked about 
the rampart, though with a weak, staggering gait. “I 
took a sedan ride to-day, and think I might take a boat 
ride to-morrow.” 

“Glad to know it, my noble fellow. The pirates gave 
up trying to kill you, thinking you were sure to die. 
They’ll get up another assassination plot soon, so keep 
shady. Suppose I appoint for you to dine aboard the 
flagship six days hence ; can you promise to be on 
hand ? ” 

“ I don’t know about that. I’m as impatient to get 
aboard as you are to have me, but ” — 

“ Remember that Lady Lucia sails for England soon,” 
interrupted the Admiral, wishing to add one more incen- 
tive. 

“ Does she, indeed ? Then I feel quite sure that I 
shall be able to keep the appointment.” 

“Very well. We’ll have the Governor and a choice 
selection of ladies and gentlemen over from Kow-Loon, 
and some of my officers from the fleet. After dinner 
his Excellency can present the government reward for 
Ching Along’s head, and make his presentation speech ; 
to which you need make but a brief reply. There is a 
general wish to make a notable public affair out of it, 
hoping to stir up the cowardly flunkies of the port, and 
induce my naval officers to pattern from your method of 
handling pirates.” 


THE CONVALESCING HERO. 


59 


“ Well, Sir Michael, I will put myself in training and 
improve as fast as I can. If the noise and confusion on 
board don’t careen me — in this light ballast trim — all 
may go well. Are you sure Lady Seymour will be 
present ? ” 

“ Ah, you rogue ! you begin to prick up your ears like 
a blooded pointer. Yes, St. Clare and the bonnie lassie 
will be aboard, if his Lordship is not detained at Canton 
longer than he thought.” 

“ I hope that they will. I could not bear the disap- 
pointment of not seeing your niece, after all the nice 
things you have told me about her.” 

“ Yes, yes, she’ll be there. And I’ll teach you how to 
trim ship, and win a fair consort. What’s more, to be 
honest with you, I’ve got a shipload of interest in 
this affair myself.” 

u Why should you care about the matter ? ” 

11 Bless your heart, I love that little girl better than 
everything else in creation. Doesn’t the lad see that 
my cargo would be short a boatload of kisses — finest 
brand'in the market — if I chanced to time your recep- 
tion so that Lucia could not be there ? ” 

“ I feel quite relieved to find that you have so large 
interest in the matter.” 

“ Yes, Captain, I’ve been tutored by blue eyes and red 
lips on that score too well to forget Lady Lucia.” 

“ So Lady Seymour is affectionate, as well as hand- 
some ? ” 

t( Ay, ay, young man. She is rather sweet on an old 
sea-lark of an uncle, to be forgotten on this occasion. 
It’s for you to discover what interest she will take in a 


60 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


young gony about a third of my age. I shouldn’t won- 
der if you taught her that bussing was a choice product, 
best kept in the family, and thus leave an old sea-dog 
unkissed and unloved — a total wreck to the end of his 
days.” 

And the jovial old sailor waddled down the jetty stair 
to his boat, roaring like a huge breaker with the merriest 
laughter, his fat sides shaking like a topsail in stays. 


CHAPTER VII. 


MEETING OF THE LOVERS. 



IHE day appointed for Captain Lawrence’s entertain- 


ment was at length announced by a salvo of guns 
from the flagship, while an American ensign was kept 
flying at the peak in honor of the young hero. The Ad- 
miral sent his own boat to take his honored guest aboard 
the Invincible. There Lawrence met the Governor and 
his aids, and many notable naval and military officers, at 
dinner. Later in the day a large concourse of civilians 
were permitted to board the vessel and pay their respects 
to the wounded Captain. Many of the shore folks were 
English ladies from high social circles, bringing tributes 
of respect, all eager to do homage to the guest of the 


day. 


The dinner was meant to be a grand, recherche affair, 
though there was a little too much wine and wassail to 
conform to Lawrence’s taste, for he was the most abste- 
mious of men. The ship was dressed for the day alow 
and aloft with countless flags. Occasional salutes were 
fired and the marine bands played stirring martial airs, 
for the purpose of making the jubilant occasion a mem- 
orable day in the annals of piracy, as many people, resi- 
dents as well as foreigners, had been robbed and killed 
by the over-bold pirates, recently grown more desperate 
than ever. 


61 


62 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


The officials and invited guests were gathered aft on 
the poop deck, over which an awning was spread. The 
main deck was given up to the surging mass of people 
from the shore, those supplied with passes, for there was 
a general dread of some murderous pirate getting aboard 
and accomplishing the long threatened assassination. 
Hundreds of other spectators were grouped about the 
ship in boats, people of all nationalities, curious to wit- 
ness the demonstration. 

Governor Dinsmore’s remarks were received with 
frequent applause. In delivering his address and pre- 
senting the reward of five thousand dollars for the king 
pirate’s head, his Excellency endeavored to impress all 
present with the growing lack of vigilance and courage 
in combating the freebooters ; which he contrasted with 
the heroic resistance of Captain Lawrence and his crew ; 
an exemplary sample of what might be done by cour- 
ageous men. 

Captain Lawrence responded briefly, and to the point. 
He ended his remarks by bestowing the reward which 
the Governor had given him, upon Uncle Joe Bailey, to 
whom all honor was due for the especial head in ques- 
tion. The whole affair was most gratifying to his officers, 
and but one thing was wanting to complete the captain’s 
happiness. The Earl of St. Clare and his daughter were 
not present, as the Canton steamer failed to arrive at 
her usual time. Their absence was regretted by all, es- 
pecially by the Admiral and his guest. 

This disappointment, together with the noise and 
excitement about him, acted at length on Lawrence’s 
weak condition, and he fainted from sheer exhaustion. 


THEIR FIRST INTERVIEW. 


63 


Dr. McDonald, the ship’s surgeon, was present, and 
ordered the swooned man to be laid in the Admiral’s 
reclining-chair, and wheeled under the awning. After a 
long swoon the Captain was rallied. A deathly pallor 
still lingered on his face and made him an object of in- 
terest to several English ladies of rank who clustered 
about him, openly expressing their admiration of his 
heroism, and showing the true feminine sympathy for 
his weak and wounded state. 

In the midst of Lawrence’s enthusiastic reception by 
the Victoria ladies, and while he yet lay bolstered up in 
the lolling-chair, engaged in hand-shaking and accepting 
bouquets, a tumult suddenly occurred among the crowd 
of women, caused by some new-comer, before whom all 
gave way, as in the presence of a queen. 

The murmur of admiration from the ladies drew Law- 
rence’s attention to the flushed face of a young girl who 
was earnestly trying to make her way to his side. Her 
blue eyes, brown hair, and exquisite beauty could not 
be Riistaken for other than Lady Lucia Seymour ; but, 
as she had not arrived from Canton, who could it be ? 

With a frank smile and alert air of recognition the 
debonair young creature strenuously persisted in forcing 
her way to the chair, with her eyes fastened earnestly 
upon Lawrence’s face, proffering a word of apology to 
the good-natured ladies whom she asked to give way. 
With a courtly smile or gracious bow to others between 
whom she had wedged, some of whom were reluctant to 
let her pass, the flushed girl at length stood before the 
astonished Captain in all the opulence of youth and 
beauty. 


64 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Such was the conscious expression of joy beaming in 
her face that the girl electrified the pale-faced Captain, 
until his sea-bronzed cheeks flushed as vividly as her 
own. This she observed, and it emboldened her to greet 
him frankly the instant she reached his chair, all breath- 
less as she was, — 

“ Is this Captain Lawrence of the Fleetwing ? ” and 
blue eyes delved deep down into the fever-lighted grays, 
while she waited his response. 

“ Yes, thank you, the same/’ was the captain’s brief 
reply. 

“ Seeing that the Admiral and my father were occupied 
with the Governor, will you permit me the pleasure of 
presenting myself? — Lady Lucia Seymour.” 

And the blushing young peeress held out her small 
patrician hand, moist and ungloved, and laid it in the 
pale, cold palm of the hero, proffering it with a degree 
of friendliness partially accounted for by her ardent 
hero-worship — a national sentiment with English ladies 
— but more especially from an unguarded preference 
which she cared not wholly to conceal. 

As Lawrence took her hand he raised himself from 
his recumbence — an effort he had not attempted for 
others. The tremulous little palm lingered willingly in 
the bronzed hand of the sailor, but with an awkward, 
unconventional delay ; as though two palpitating hearts 
were greeting with never a wish to be sundered. It 
was a most notable event for all the fair gossips around. 
Soft gray eyes and tender blues were blending their 
strong magnetic glances, disclosing the inmost souls of 
the recipients to each other, with never a thought that 


LOVE AT SIGHT. 


65 


curious eyes were dissecting them to the bone and 
marrow. At length, with something very akin to con- 
fusion, Lady Lucia broke the spell, and at once showed 
her courtly training, — 

“ Captain Lawrence, my uncle has taken every oppor- 
tunity to impress us with his high regard for you. He 
speaks of you as a brave, noble man, one who has 
accomplished the most brilliant deeds of valor, such as 
have not fallen to the lot of any officer under his com- 
mand, though their opportunities of a like nature have 
been numerous. Knowing this, I have hastened aboard 
to make your acquaintance, and render my just meed of 
homage .’ 7 

“ I, too, have heard the Admiral relate many incidents 
connected with your Ladyship and the noble Earl. And 
here let me thank you for the gracious sympathy fre- 
quently received from yourself and father, in hours of 
pain and discouragement, when death seemed a constant 
attendant. Ere you came, the noise and confusion made 
me regret having undertaken this task, but now I feel 
repaid more than I can express.” 

The tender compliment implied in Lawrence’s closing 
remarks again induced the roses to mount into the 
cheeks of his companion, yet she fluently replied, — 

“ It pains me to see how worn and weak you are, Cap- 
tain. I fear you have greatly overtaxed yourself on 
this festive occasion, given in your honor, and so gratify- 
ing to us all.” And she looked about with queenly 
courtesy upon the other ladies, graciously assuming to 
speak for them as well as herself, adding, — 

“ Do you know, Captain Lawrence, that when we find 


66 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


you so young and unassuming,” — and again she adroitly 
assumed to speak for all, — “ we are at a loss to know 
how you can possess such surpassing courage and heroic 
endurance as Uncle Seymour tells about. Let me hope 
that you will take an early opportunity to personally 
relate to us your method of resisting such great odds in 
battle.” 

“ Believe me, Lady Seymour, it will give me great 
pleasure to comply with your request. I have fre- 
quently promised Sir Michael to avail myself of his 
invitation upon the first moment of real convalescence.” 

“ Oh, thank you ; we should like nothing better than 
to receive your earliest visit at the embassy.” 

And the young girl stepped blushingly back to the 
rear of the chair, considerately making room for the 
crowd of new-comers who brought tributes of fruit and 
flowers. Some brought kindly messages, which were 
delivered with tearful eyes, pressed the now feverish 
hand of the wounded man, and passed on, making way 
for others. 

Lady Lucia had accomplished the one wish of her 
heart in thus meeting Lawrence, and the proud young 
peeress stood beside his chair content and happy, watch- 
ing numerous other fair women press forward with their 
much prized tributes. The only extraneous ornament 
worn by the regal beauty upon this occasion was a 
delicate creamy rosebud among her affluent tresses. 
Out of this tiny flower arose the first' marked expression 
of preference shown by him. 

Suddenly it dawned upon the sensitive young creature 
that she had been less considerate of the sick man than 


LUCIA’S first tribute. 


67 


others. Blushing with lively consciousness of her omis- 
sion, she laid her dainty hand upon the hero’s arm, 
exclaiming with an outspoken frankness most charming 
in one of her rank, — 

“ Oh, Captain Lawrence, I have neglected to bring a 
tribute of fruit or flowers. We came directly from the 
belated steamer to the flagship, fearing we might be 
too late to take part in your reception. Please accept 
this as my apology.” 

“Yes, flowers and fruit have a most agreeable smell 
and flavor to one languishing under a wound,” he 
replied, suffering his eyes to wander from the piqued 
young face to the creamy rosebud tossing and swaying 
in Lady Lucia’s hair. 

With the rare tact of her sex, she made answer to his 
appealing glance at her flower : “ And would you accept 
so trivial a flower, after all these rare bouquets from 
others more thoughtful than I, so meager a gift as my 
little toilet rose ? ” 

“ Certainly, my lady, and, believe me, I shall prize it 
above all that I have received.” 

Instantly the impulsive girl knelt beside the chair of 
the wounded hero, and with a girlish -expression of glad- 
ness requested him to free the yellow bud for himself, 
— a task worthy of such a knight-errant. Lawrence- 
succeeded in disentangling the flower with his well 
hand, dwelt upon its beauty an instant, and pressed the 
rare exotic slyly to his lips, — while making a deceptive 
show of smelling it, — in spite of the open publicity of 
the act. Lady Seymour rose, with a look of delight, 
saying, — 


68 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ I regret having so poor a tribute to offer. But my 
gifts shall be more worthy of your acceptance in future. 
The Lad rone garden is well supplied with nice fruits 
and flowers, and, if you permit, I will send you a daily 
gift from our abundant store.” 

Lawrence bowed his thanks for the munificent offer, 
and replied in low tones only meant for Lady Lucia’s 
attentive ear, — 

“ Believe me, this little bud is the most precious gift 
of the day.” 

“ Oh, thank you, Captain ! How considerate you are 
to thus shield my previous neglect. In this I discern 
a rare intuition which should serve to win for you a 
very Waterloo of battles on the sea.” 

At this juncture the preoccupied pair were interrupted 
by the Admiral and the Earl. Sir Michael approached, 
calling out lustily, — 

“ Where’s my niece ? Where’s Lady Seymour stowed 
away ? Oh, ho ! here you are ; moored fore-and-aft in 
the very thickest of the fight. My friends, this young 
lady would not consent to my seeing the Governor and 
party off before I introduced her to this 1 brave young 
Captain,’ as she is pleased to call this noble American 
citizen.” 

a But, uncle, you were so very long coming that I 
could not wait.” 

“ Bless me ! how quickly one scents the noble game 
afar off. The old story of the magnet and the needle. 
Couldn’t wait for your old uncle, ha ? ” 

“ You were so busy with his Excellency that I did not 
care to wait, and I piloted myself. Didn’t I do nicely, 
uncle ? ” 


THE POLARITY OF LOVE. 


69 


“ Ha, ha ! by St. George and the Dragon ! Merit and 
beauty have an amount of polarity equal to the tendrils 
of a vine.” 

“ And what may that be, you dear, old Precious ? ” 
asked the witching girl, glad to turn her uncle into less 
personal remarks. 

“ Why, lassie, sailors tell the part of the world they 
are in by the direction in which a vine clambers. Like 
Jack’s bean-stalk, the tendrils always twine one way at 
the north of the equator, and t’other way when south 
of the line. Now, mark me, Lucia, a vine twines to meet 
the sun, which swings different ways in opposite parts 
of the globe. That’s polarity, and it’s polarity which 
helps a lassie to find a laddie in a crowd like this.” The 
old seaman indulged in a boisterous laugh, and claimed 
the usual kiss of his blushing niece. Lady Lucia 
responded to his just demands in the way of osculation, 
and replied with spirit to his jocose repartee : 

“How jolly you are, Uncle Seymour. One would 
think that you had just escaped foundering at sea and 
hadn’t seen the sun for a month, you discourse so beau- 
tifully about the magnet and the needle, and the delicate 
and little-known polarization of climbing plants.” 

Assuming a comical look of dignity, a quality which 
ill-fitted his rubicund face, Sir Michael placed his arms 
akimbo, cock-billed his venerable head a-port, and 
arched his eyebrows with a droll expression of mock 
surprise at the transgression he had detected aboard of 
Her Britannic Majesty’s ship Invincible. 

“Ah, bonnie lassie, this must never happen again. 
To think of your slying aboard of the flagship without 


TO 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


paying the proper toll — a kiss ; the only coin passing 
current here.” 

“ You forget, uncle, that yon had greatly overdrawn 
your rations before I went to Canton; so behave, or I 
shall put you on short allowance. It seems to me that 
our wounded friend looks tired, uncle.” 

“You are right, my pet. Captain Lawrence, you are 
looking weary. We’ll end this business by retreating to 
the cabin. Captain Walsh, request the officers to clear 
the deck for the day ! ” 

“ Yes, Admiral, I will attend to it at once.” 

Careful hands, under the guidance of the surgeon, car- 
ried the chair in which Lawrence reclined to the quiet 
seclusion of the after-cabin, where no further intrusion 
was permitted for the day. After a brief, refreshing 
nap, Lawrence waked, ready to enjoy a quiet chat with 
the Earl and his daughter. Though not for long, for 
Sir Michael was bent upon doing a little diplomatic busi- 
ness with his brother, who had just returned from a most 
important discussion of maritime matters with Governor 
Lin, the Chinese commissioner. 

The courtly old Earl made suitable apology to the 
Admiral’s guest, whom he left to be entertained by his 
daughter. The situation was so new and novel to Law- 
rence and Lady Lucia, that for a time naught but a 
palpitating silence prevailed. Lady Seymour industri- 
ously fanned the recumbent convalescent, and sat with 
drooping lids and slightly averted face, tremulous and 
expectant in the presence of this manly counterpart of 
her vision in the sky. She who had made light of the 
difficulties of self-introduction at a public reception, was 


THE TONGUE-TIED LOVERS. 


71 


now mate and inert when left alone with the man of her 
choice. 

Lawrence had found it easy to follow the lead of the 
fluent peeress when she so bravely showed her preference 
before the world. But now he could not rid himself of 
the belittling thought that he was but a plebeian in the 
presence of a being of exalted rank and transcendent 
beauty. What though her lustrous eyes had tattled 
about the ardent condition of her heart, and her pink 
fingers now lay purposely within his reach, how could 
he assume the courage to put forth his hand and make 
the expected overtures to this high-born girl ? 

Beauty in its highest perfection repels too near 
approach in all, while one of rustic birth becomes 
abashed and humiliated in its presence. It holds us 
aloof, like a noble statue, hushed with reverence and 
awe. But when rare human beauty discloses the added 
charms of intelligence and affection, answering back to 
our own kindred qualities in melodious voice, quivering 
with human sympathy, revealing the eager outlook of a 
pure soul yearning for recognition, then reverence gives 
place to adoration, and awe to palpitant heart throbs. 

Such was the beauty of Lady Lucia Seymour. A 
superb figure, one to catch the eye of a connoisseur, though 
clothed in the habiliments of a peasant. A form to 
tempt the admiring eye to look and linger, and steal back 
yet another furtive glance, as if spying upon an angel. 
There was a touch of Oriental grace and softness in the 
every movement of this proud English blonde. To those 
who knew her best she seemed the very embodiment of 
a poet's dream. A creature in whom Nature had woven 


72 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


her best handiwork in some halcyon hour of supremest 

joy- 

No wonder that the pale-faced Captain shrank abashed 
and reverent before a revelation of such supernal loveli- 
ness. No wonder that this brave, free heart, weakened 
by traumatic fever and the oft-recurring pain from his 
wounds, became appalled when confronted with the au- 
dacious problem of wooing a being high as heaven above 
his most sanguine aspirations. 

There they sat, these two from antipodal spheres, lis- 
tening to the rustling fan and the pulsation of two awe- 
stricken hearts confronted with their destiny, until the 
silence at length became unendurable. With the rare 
intuition of her sex, Lucia divined the feelings of her 
companion, and accepted his shame-faced modesty as 
another proof of his nobility. She trembled lest this 
too considerate man should deem it neither possible nor 
prudent to vault over the conventional barriers which 
the world had built up between them — restrictions as 
cold and immutable as a polar glacier. 

The ardent girl had brooded over Lawrence’s fancied 
image many weeks before they met — a manly model to 
encroach upon a maiden’s heart. She had fashioned her 
hero-lover as best she could from the Admiral’s descrip- 
tions and Lawrence’s deeds of valor, — achievements 
which had filled their local world with fame. This, 
together with the preternatural presentment made visi- 
ble the night before the Fleetwing arrived, was the fabric 
from which Lucia constructed the ideal which she had 
learned to love so well. Now, if the abashed Captain 
would not act, she must. She could not give him up, 
and she would not lose him so. 


LOVE-MAKING. 


73 


“ Would you rather that I should not fan you, Captain 
Lawrence ? ” she asked, as a means of learning whether 
her tongue had lost its cunning. 

“ Oh, no ! It is very grateful to me, I assure you. 
But I fear it may tire your Ladyship,” and their down- 
cast eyes met slyly, and dwelt timidly upon each other. 

“ It does not weary me in the least,” rejoined the girl. 
“ Oh, Captain, how I wish that I might do something 
more for you, you look so pale and anxious.” 

The girl’s voice became tremulous, and her soul-laden 
eyes were moist and eloquent with the tenderest sym- 
pathy. Lawrence’s eyes could not but respond to such 
an appeal. And when by some unaccountable chance 
their hands met on the arm of the chair, they clasped 
tightly, without the mental volition of either, transmit- 
ting a hot current through their beings which loosed the 
tongues of both as by magic. From that moment Lady 
Lucia was master of the awkward situation, and she 
clearly stated the first tenet in love’s dogma, for their 
future guidance. 

“ Captain Lawrence, let me ask you to be frank and 
natural with me in the future. Open-hearted as you 
would be with your own dear sister. My father and I 
take an unusual interest in you, and it would delight us 
both to be of some little service to you. Please talk to 
me about yourself freely. Tell me something that will 
not tire you in telling. Anything is better than silence, 
which you must know every girl abominates.” 

Thus adjured, never again did the lovers fail to find 
subjects of vital interest to each other. Even the long 
silence which followed this appeal was now made voluble 


74 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


by their tattling eyes and the pair of communicative 
hands which seemed intent upon making two into one. 
It was the old, old story of love-making. For the time 
they were like two peasant lovers — forgetful of the 
patrician birth of the one, and the rustic parentage of 
the other. 

When Captain Lawrence and Lady Seymour first met, 
the daring sailor had experienced a giddy sense of exul- 
tation, as might have been expected. In the sweet sur- 
prise of that meeting he showed the imperial texture of 
his soul, though suddenly called upon to leap the formi- 
dable barrier of rank and be confronted with the long 
lineal descent of the Seymours ; while she became 
assured of his response to her love, and was made proud 
and happy with her choice. In that supreme moment 
Lawrence was swift to recognize the scarlet fanions of 
Eros hung out over the heaven-high battlements of her 
autocratic love, whence her blue eyes looked down upon 
her new-found ideal, as the pearly hands of visionary 
angels stretch down to us in dreams. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


OLD TOM AND LADY LUCIA. 



ATE one afternoon soon after the Admiral’s recep- 


tion, while Crawford was diligently pacing the 
rampart, a boat appeared coming from the line-of-battle 
ship, in which were the Admiral, the Earl, and his 
daughter. The boat skirted the shore before the wind 
and tide, just allowing free play to the oar-blades as she 
passed the sampans and the jetties. 

After rounding the Drinker jetty the coxswain was 
ordered to pull in to the bastion where Tom was on 
guard. The gig threaded her way among the coolie 
boats until she lay fairly in the eddy near the escarp- 
ment wall, where she was brought to a stand with oars 
trailing in the water. 

The Admiral hailed, and made inquiries about the 
Captain, which Tom answered to his satisfaction. Then 
the clear, musical voice of Lady Seymour took up the 
conversation, and addressed a message to the old sailor. 
Tom doffed his tarpaulin quickly while listening to the 
dainty young girl. 

“ Please to remember me, also, to your Captain, Mr. 
Crawford. Say that the Earl of St. Clare and his daugh- 
ter take great interest in his case, and leave their regards. 
Remember to keep a good watch over him, won’t you, 
good Thomas ? ” 


75 


76 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Springing up like a naiad queen in the stern-sheets of 
the tottling boat, the animated girl tossed up her purse 
of gold to the white-haired sailor, saying, “ Spend that 
among your shipmates, Mr. Crawford, and keep the best 
of watch over the wounded Captain.” 

For an instant the anxious girl fixed her blue eyes 
steadily upon old Tom, the better to impress her wishes 
on the half-dazed man, ere she dropped back into her 
seat between her uncle and father. The crew grasped 
their oars and pulled away toward the Cliff Stair, leaving 
the abashed sailor standing hatless and motionless as a 
graven image hewn from the battlement rock. 

Big, bright tears stole slowly down the old man’s 
cheeks, groping their way among the devious furrows of 
his weather-beaten face. The grand lady had spoken to 
him as freely as Nance Coffin could have done, at dear 
old ’Tucket. That brightest of God’s creatures had 
addressed him as Mr. Crawford, which was more to the 
scarred veteran than her pure gold. When at length 
Tom recovered his voice and bewildered senses, and ven- 
tured to put on his hat, his broken utterances gave a 
glimpse of his thoughts. 

“ Shiver my timbers ! ef thet leedle gal ain’t ar angil. 
She’d make ar man uv ar feller wid one look uv them 
ere pretty e’es. She called me Mr. Crawford. Blazes ! 
wuzen’t it nice, though ? I wish I had ar lookin’-glass 
jist ter see ef it sticks to ar feller. 

“ Wonder old mammy Crawford duzen’t bust out ur 
ther Nantucket sand to ’gratulate her sonny. * Watch 
my Cap’n ! ’ Ah, lassie, ther ‘ Ole Man ’ knows thet Tom 
would gin his life fur hizzen, any day. ‘ Watch my 


“ain’t she ar angil?” 


77 


Cap’ll ! ’ Eh, leddy, wid sech ar leftenant ez yon am, ter 
gin orders, these old binnacle lites would do double duty 
ter please ther gal.” 

And the rime-headed old sailor drew his sleeve across 
his misty eyes, with a furtive look around, not wishing 
to discover his gentle weakness to the ribald world. 
Again, for the hundredth time, the well-meaning fellow 
promised to “ walk in the light,” through his brief span, 
and let wine and women go by the board. 

Poor old Tom, he would become the prey of the next 
land shark who attacked him, yielding from sheer habit 
to the imperative demand of the moment, for very 
human was Tom Crawford. For fifty years he had 
earned his begrudged wages on the sea, and spent his 
money free as water, which is the beginning and the 
end of a sailor’s knowledge of political economy. 

Not many hours after the above event, a boat came 
from the Eleetwing, and the crew landed at the jetty. 
One of the men went up town on business for the mate, 
while others of the crew came up the rampart to inquire 
about the Captain, and glean news of the grand reception 
on board the Invincible. Crawford was glad of the 
opportunity to regale his shipmates about the Captain’s 
love affair on the flagship, which had become the gossip 
of the town. 

“ Tell yer what, maties, Cap’n did look ’appy thet day. 
’Bout ez ’appy ez ar Sconset clam what ’scapes diggin’ 
on bake-day.” 

“ How wuz it, Tom ? Heave ahead, ole boy, an’ teld 
us what tuck place. Spin away wid yer twister, an’ 
make ar cable tow uv it.” 


78 


THE WKECK OF THE GKEYHOUND. 


"Well, yer see, Jim, thet ere leedle craft, — the ole 
? arl’s darter, — met our Cap’n aboard the double-decker, 
an’ jist clapped her leedle flipper inter hizzen, ter sort 
o’ ’gratulate ther ‘ Ole Man’ on ther way we chaps 
walloped ther Pigtails.” 

“ Bully fur she, boys ! Thet gal am ar gennewine 
buster. She knows a brave un whin she sees ’im. But, 
Tom, how did Cap’n carry sail wid thet ellegant gal fur 
consort ? ” 

"Ah, chaps, thet’s where ther frisk o’ ther frolic 
comes in. What wid ther big noise an’ ther speechify- 
ing, ther Cap’n hed jist rallied frum ar tip-over, an’ 
hadn’t gut inter full sailin’ trim when ther pretty she 
un loomed in ther ofiin’. But I teld yer what, maties, 
when ther Cap’n did seed ’er, he lowered his white colors 
quicker, his eyes gut big ez saucers, an’ he h’isted his 
red buntin’ at every truck in ar jiffy. Oh, it wuz good 
fur ole eyes ter see, lads, fur ther ‘Ole Man’ looked 
’appy ez ar lobster jist biled.” 

"Seems like it, Tom. Fur them ere high-born uns 
must lift a feller sort o’ tiptoe, till he sails his craft wid 
on’y ther keel touchin’ on the sea-tops. Oh, it’s jolly 
sailin’, I reckon, wid yer skys’ils jist dippin’ in ther 
moonbeam ; fur when two critters am in luv, everything 
gits sort o’ gold-colored to both ther spoonies, an’ their 
blinkers lift an’ lower, an’ darken an’ shine, like ther 
moon dodgin’ ar storm scud.” 

" Suthin’ so, Jim. It’s e’en a’ most like ar ship freighted 
wid ar liquor cargo. Ther craft lifts her counters in ar 
sea-way, like ar girl in ar ballroom, sort o’ feard ter water 
ther grog in her hold.” 


jack’s description of love. 


79 


“ How did ther pretty minx fly ’er buntin’, Tom ? 
Did ther she un show ther white or ther red in ’er 
colors ? 99 

“ Shiver my tops’ils, maty, there’s the pint. Them 
ere blue e’es o’ hern shined like ar blue billow at noon- 
day. Ther gal’s face talked all over like ar logbook. 
She answered Cap’n, signal fur signal, an’ color fur color. 
Oh, She am ar rare un, you bet ! ” 

“ Sure ’nuf, Tom, ’twas ar clean case o’ swappin’ clocks 
at fust sight, gainsay it who will. Bless me, maties, I’ll 
stan’ god-ther to thet gal myself.” 

“ Ay, v ay, ’Tucket, right you am ; thet lassie showed 
ther cut uv ’er jib an’ ther color uv ’er blueblood, when 
she moored longside uv our Cap’n, the bravest heart in 
all ther China seas.” 

This final sentiment was indorsed by an uproarious 
cheer from the crew, which induced Nantucket Jim, the 
minstrel of the ship, to strike up a rare old English 
song, glorifying British ladies of high degree. His ship- 
mates joined heartily in the chorus, as did a number of 
passing boatmen, one and all showing their appreciation 
of the romance of the day. 


CHAPTER IX. 


DAYS OF WOOING. 

D AYS lengthened into weary weeks while Lawrence 
was convalescing. Having been given car^e blanche 
by the Seymours, he became a frequent guest at the 
Ladrolie Palace, making a world of delectable gossip for 
the fair women of Victoria. f 'What the progress of love- 
making had been between Lady Lucia and Lawrence 
none knew but themselves ; though the sly old Admiral 
and the observing Earl had surmised that it was 
prospering. 

As the time drew near for the ambassador’s departure 
for England, gossip ran high among the most notable 
ladies of the place,- — a vile contagion that simulates 
politics in men, — until now many feminine hearts were 
consuming with curiosity, or dying with envy, to learn 
the sequel of the romantic attachment going on at the 
“ Palace of Thieves ” — as those not having entree chose 
*to term the place. 

At length when cards were issued for the farewell 
reception at the embassy, the social world of Kow-Loon 
and Victoria were upon the aui vive for the occasion. 
It was expected to be a graW, recherche affair, such as 
only the ambassadors of crowned heads can accomplish 
with regal splendor. Happy were the favored few 
invited outsicffof official circles, and bitter the dis- 

50 


THE MUCH-LOVED HERO. 


81 


appointment of others equally entitled to consideration ; 
as all classes were alike eager to witness the probable 
denouement of the lovers. 

As the Seymours spent part of their time at Canton, 
where a commercial treaty was being negotiated with 
Governor Lin and other high commissioners, the oppor- 
tunities for wooing had been irregular. But during each 
brief stay at Hong Kong, Sir Michael’s boat always 
touched at Drinker’s jetty when on his way to dine with 
the Earl, tarrying long enough to take Captain Lawrence 
on board, as the Admiral desired that he should make 
the most of his privilege. ‘ • 

Thus it happened on such occasions that the young 
people were daily thrown together for a few hours with 
the sanction of all concerned. Whilst Lady Seymour 
lost no public opportunity to do homage to the wounded 
Captain from the first hour that they met ; upon all pri- 
vate festal occasions the frank, free girl openly devoted 
her whole attention to the much-loved hero, without 
thought or care who might be present to witness her de- 
votion. 

It was no mere girl-love which Lady Lucia unwittingly 
proffered her new-found knight of the sea, during these 
delicious interviews. She had outlined many a maiden 
fancy of that sort. Juvenile love-freaks which come 
like vernal showers, and pass with the April days of 
girlhood. As doll-playing is a diminutive school in which 
to arouse the maternal instincts of a child : so a woman’s 
girl-loves are the enameled ground-work whereon to em- 
boss the fervid June roses which blossom but once in 
her life — whether to deck the altar or the grave. 


82 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Years of European and Oriental travel with the grand 
old Earl for companion — cultured and profound in the 
philosophies of literature and life — had brought early 
fruition and earnest meditation to Lady Seymour, until 
the budding girl who left England four years before 
quickly put off her immature ways, and by swift gra- 
dation acquired the rounded grace of a full-crowned 
woman. 

Measured by solar annualities, Lucia Seymour had 
not yet overstepped the flowery border of her teens. 
But who does not comprehend that as thought ma- 
tures mind, so mental maturity in precocious youth 
ripens and develops the physique before its time ? 
Thus mental fructescence rather than calendared years 
must be the criterion of a girl’s capabilities. 

Tarrying at many foreign courts, and sojourning at 
numerous great centers of thought, failed not to present 
every type and phase of man ; and yet, amidst all her 
travels, Lady Lucia had thus far wandered fancy-free. 
Arriving at Hong Kong, she had anticipated meeting 
several relatives of rank among the officers of her uncle’s 
fleet ; but, as we have seen, she had not found a person 
among them all to fill the unoccupied niche in her too 
fastidious heart, which was daily hedging itself about 
with yet more impassable barriers as the world’s peo- 
ple passed in panorama before her too scrutinous gaze. 

But in Charles Lawrence Lady Lucia had found a 
kindred soul, one fashioned so much to her liking in 
manner and mien that he seemed born of her own con- 
ception ; one to require a new focus, a broader field than 
other men in which to scrutinize his innate merit. 


THE GLAMOUR OF LOVE. 


83 


Lawrence was a rare new type to Lucia, such a one as 
the reflective girl had loved to contemplate when pon- 
dering the great deeds of her noble ancestors. A quality 
of person sparsely tabulated among the hereditary patri- 
cians from which she was expected to choose her life- 
companion. 

The happiness which the lovers found in each other’s 
company was a pleasant glamour in which to exist, a 
delicious love-mirage, akin to the radiant mist-clouds 
hovering about the mountain tops of Eros. At such 
times, when the regnant eyes of her lover dwelt too 
long and tenderly upon her all-willing face, a conscious 
luster stole into Lucia’s serene orbs, and a perceptible 
tint of spring roses flushed her cheeks — varying from 
the pale tint of inner leaves to their deepest crimson — 
though the face of the fair girl was then somewhat sun- 
touched with travel. 

When in the presence of her lover, Lady Lucia’s eyes 
were not the least of her winsome charms. Though 
always luminous and tender during hours of tranquillity, 
in moments when she was pre-occupied with pious re- 
flections there was often a far-away spiritual look of 
indescribable beauty. Now as they sit together in quiet 
converse and soulful silence — pondering dreams which 
are not wholly dreams — Lucia’s eyes were made elo- 
quent by many new-found revelations, sweet subdued 
ecstasies, not wholly ambushed by her speechless tongue 
or drooping lids. 

As the day of their final separation drew near, Lady 
Lucia could not but wonder that Lawrence should forfeit 
his last suitable opportunity to tell his love, and win 


84 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


her hand. In the confusion of the morrow’s assemblage, 
he could not expect to find time or place to woo her, 
beneath the prying eyes of the gossiping crowd. As 
maiden pride yet stood monitress over her impetuous 
love, how could she prompt her beloved sailor to express 
his mind and disclose his heart, lest the dear God-given 
one might deem such assiduity too unseemly and over- 
bold? 

To young Lawrence, the old Earl’s daughter had daily 
grown more queenly and lovable, until at length he 
exalted the object of his affection into some high Aiden 
deemed too hallowed for his plebeian fool steps to ap- 
proach. This lack of moral courage, in one of such 
superhuman bravery in real danger, was a new and 
astounding quality to the girl. While such modest de- 
meanor might flatter the maiden’s pride, it sorely taxed 
her patience, and threatened to imperil her happiness. 

Was ever a high-born maiden placed in a more con- 
flicting quandary ? While Lawrence’s affection was 
unquestionably strong and fervent, she had observed 
that in the exact ratio in which his love had deepened in 
intensity and refined with its growth, he had become 
abashed and lost heart — like some religious zealot who 
had aspired to possess a star. 

Lucia well knew that her brave sailor-boy would hesi- 
tate at nothing deemed commendable — an inherent 
nobility imbued with oceanic grandeur, acquired while 
battling with mad winds and storm-lashed waters. Yet, 
alas ! why should one so endowed with daring quail 
before the rank and beauty of a girl who loved him so 
well? 


HER BLUE EYES DISSEMBLED. 


85 


Well might the girl’s blue eyes dissemble, and hide 
beneath their long lashes, lest their telltale glances 
should disclose her tempestuous love — so impatient for 
a claimant. Well might she seek to abate the enticing 
cadence of her alluring voice, lest she bare to nudity the 
quivering emotions of her heart. But underlying all 
Lucia’s coy plans to instill courage into her tardy lover, 
there existed a purpose fixed as adamant to secure the 
man she loved ; though she were compelled to bare her 
heart to the utmost limits — meet for a high-born girl. 

At the latest moment before the coming separation, 
should it require such diplomacy on the following night, 
Lucia had determined to demand a private interview 
with her lover, upon the plea — happily reserved for the 
occasion — of hearing his version of the battle. During 
the recital, if she could escape the impertinent crowd, 
she would make opportunity to tell Lawrence the history 
of her love, and the aspirations of her heart — if he 
cruelly compelled her to force the rapture of being 
won by the person who possessed her love. 

After a late dinner, a select party of the Earl’s friends 
gathered out upon the balcony to enjoy the evening, and 
scan the vast panoramic view of the harbor and the 
Chung Land coast beyond. It was the night before the 
ambassador’s official reception, the last private sociable 
of the Seymours ere sailing for England. A warm quiet 
twilight. The faint sea-airs came fluttering up from the 
tranquil bay on wings too languid to waft the rose- 
pollen a-wooing. 

The evening shadows gathered mysteriously down 
over the harbor, coming from we know not where, steal- 


86 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ing out from under the cliff and creeping stealthily 
along the shore in a thief-like way caught from the 
noiseless fast-boats, which came like ghosts with the 
darkness, but are made conspicuous by their absence 
during the day. 

Sir Michael, as usual, was the oracle of his party. 
Sitting at the central aperture of the balcony, smoking 
and yarning, the old veteran was describing a sea-fight 
in Nelson’s time to the gentlemen gathered about his 
chair. He was intentionally oblivious of Lawrence and 
Lady Lucia, who sat by themselves, together with little 
Lord Monk, a juvenile midshipman from the flagship, 
and a relative of the Seymours. 

The trio were seated at the east end of the balcony, 
fairly well hidden from the party by a cluster of dwarf 
fruit trees, which were nicely adapted to the purpose. 
Lord Monk was a manly, pretty little lad of fifteen, so 
fond of cousin Lucia that he was usually found at her 
side, privileged to cling fast to one of her dimpled hands, 
as he was now doing. The boy was easily diverted, and 
made the best of foils for the lovers, partly because he 
was almost as fond of Captain Lawrence as of his 
cousin. 

The lovers sat face to face near the vine-clad aperture, 
their soulful eyes feasting upon each other, fairly well 
satisfied to communicate by roguish smiles and intelli- 
gent glances. That his diminutive Lordship should not 
be made to feel de trop he was adroitly induced to tattle 
about everything which he saw in the bay. 

In the midst of the youth’s nautical prattle, the wel- 
come darkness shut down, spangling the busy harbor 


A HEAVEN-SENT MOMENT. 


87 


with starlit sheen, and providentially making the balcony 
too dark to distinguish with what alacrity the impatient 
hands of the lovers had become clasped in loving embrace. 

Twilight is a blessed boon for reflective souls. An 
auspicious time for a saint’s repentant moods to gather 
about, like a convocation of departed ghosts. But it is 
an hour when lovers are blest with a double sense of 
existence ■ — an hour when the sturdy oak proffers its 
support, and the clinging vine seeks to clamber. 

When night ushered in the darkness, how quickly the 
lovers found it convenient to sit closer and closer, so 
close that both could lean out of the same aperture, with- 
out in the least incommoding the dainty midshipman, 
over beyond Lady Lucia. Countless harbor lights were 
now added to the twinkling stars seen reflected in the 
dusky bay. The ear was attracted and soothed by the 
far-down rustling waters which lapped the cliff during 
the restless whirl of the tide, a well-meant, unobtrusive 
murmur, all-sufficient to mask a subdued love-word of 
proper import, whispered tenderly into the maiden’s 
over-anxious ear. 

All that clasped hands and pulsating fingers could 
accomplish was done, seeking to blend two loving hearts 
as well as the ghostly darkness and an intrusive mid- 
shipman would permit. True, one little head would 
have loved dearly to recline upon a manly breast, but 
that Lord Monk — a precious cousin — could not be sent 
rudely away. Though the tongues of the lovers were 
mute as the stars, yet the speechless voices of the black 
silence were made to prattle like springtime birds when 
mating for the year. 


88 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Never was there a more auspicious time for wooing. 
Never were human hearts more susceptible to loving 
than these. The moon was about “to full/’ blending the 
benign influence of the lunar orb with the friendly dark- 
ness and the murmuring tide, — a heaven-sent moment, 
requiring neither linguistic art nor prolonged endeavor 
to win. Alas, alas ! that one little sentence should have 
failed to be vocalized, creating joy so ethereal in a 
maiden’s heart that heaven’s angel-choir would have 
sung hallelujah for lovers so deserving of bliss. 

Suddenly a gleam of moonlight stole in through the 
lattice chinks and the interlacing vines, fringing the 
black shadows with a tremulous ruffling of gold-beams, 
and flecking the head and face of the brown-haired 
maiden and the patrician boy with a quivering radiance 
of amber. The spying moon had crept slyly above the 
snow-crest of the far-away mountain, for a purpose best 
known to herself — for celestial orbs and angel eyes are 
ever interested in lovers. With the startling flush of 
light the clasped hands, which had seemed love-linked 
forever, were separated with undeniable haste, and 
quickly made visible to the diminutive man-of-war’s-man, 
lest his juvenile tongue should tattle to a whole fleet of 
tattlers on shipboard. Thus a tender little heart of 
exquisite texture failed to be wooed and won, because of 
a midshipman and a moonbeam. 

The sudden accession of the lunar orb brought the 
Earl and his party around the lovers to seek a glimpse 
of the newly risen moon. The slant rays of the great 
yellow orb streaked the harbor with long narrow stripes 
of gold, for so numerous were the masts of the great 


THE LOST OPPORTUNITY. 


89 


warships, together with those of the merchant fleet, 
that they obstructed the yellow sheen with endless 
shadows, black as the pirate flag of Ching Along. 

It was a weird sight to see the countless sampans flit- 
ting across the glittering streaks of light, the sails cast- 
ing black shadows which appeared ghostly and strange 
during the brief minutes while the small craft were in 
view. 

A signal was now piped from the Invincible’s boat, 
which had just arrived at the Cliff Stair ready to take 
the Admiral on board. Sir Michael at once notified 
Lawrence to take leave of the company and make ready 
to embark in the waiting boat. Lucia and the Earl 
accompanied the departing guests to the broad stair, 
where they greeted and parted for the night. As all of 
the party had cards for the reception they would meet 
for the last time on the following day. Sir Michael and 
Lawrence were urged by the host and hostess to come 
early, and both promised to comply. 

It was so pleasant a night without, that Lawrence was 
tempted to walk home ; but the Admiral objected, as he 
wished his company down the Cliff Stair. This deep 
damp rent in the rock was shrouded in dark shadow, 
and was so pokerish a place in the night-time that the 
Admiral was tempted to pipe his whistle and call up 
some of his men for a body-guard; for it was an ill- 
omened place where many assassinations had occurred. 
But as Sir Michael had his rapier and Lawrence was 
armed with two navy revolvers, the old veteran took 
heart, and the two seamen locked arms and groped their 
way down, stair by stair, resting a minute for breath at 


90 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


the occasional landing place, and were soon seated in 
the boat. 

Not much time was permitted for talk while pulling 
to the jetty, where the two friends parted for the 
night. 


CHAPTER X. 


LOYE INVOKED BY PRAYER. 

TT was the evening of the final drawing-room at 
the British Embassy, given by the Earl of St. 
Clare the night before sailing for England, after his suc- 
cessful diplomatic mission to settle trade difficulties with 
China. 

As the twilight hour dropped down over the Island 
City, Lady Seymour left her chamber and came out upon 
the balcony to cool her flushed face, and endeavor to 
abate the unusual trepidation which disturbed her. 
Captain Lawrence had promised to come early, yet it 
now lacked but an hour of the time appointed for the 
assembling of the guests, and he had not appeared. 
Her Ladyship knew that the Admiral and his officers 
were to be entertained at Captain Drinker’s, and that 
Lawrence would feel obliged to remain at dinner until 
Sir Michael chose to leave. Yet it saddened her to 
think that her uncle should be so heartless as to rob her 
of the last and only free hour that she could give her 
lover. 

Though the young couple had frequently met at the 
embassy since their first meeting on the flagship, yet, as 
we have seen, it rarely happened that they had prolonged 
opportunities for wooing. At such times Lady Lucia 
had often expressed a wish that at some future meeting 
•91 


92 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Lawrence would relate the incidents of the pirate fight, 
yet he had never been invited to do so ; and at length it 
became evident that the story was always purposely 
kept back for some unaccountable reason. 

To the frank, straightforward Captain, such pretty 
feminine tactics were as mysterious and outre as the 
flitting cat’s-paws of a calm sea. Not being versed in 
the admissible and adroit maneuvers of the fair sex, 
Lawrence could not comprehend the profound diplomacy 
of this, the fairest of them all. Manlike, he was too 
obtuse to discover that Lady Lucia was purposely gain- 
ing time, making opportunity for her timid lover to 
acquire confidence in himself, and leisurely learn to climb 
the imperial heights whereon he had placed the object 
of his love. Thus it remained a puzzle to the noble 
mariner why the story, which he was ever ready to tell 
and she so willing to hear, must always be put off 
until — 

“Your next visit, Captain, which must be very soon. 
You’ll promise that we shall not wait long, won’t you ? 
Come to-morrow, and lunch with us. If not, be sure and 
come to dinner with Uncle Seymour. Now I think of 
it, papa wishes to learn those daring moves of yours at 
chess, which he says are so characteristic of the man,” 
after which they would exchange very tender partings. 

Thus Lady Lucia’s kittenish ways were kept up during 
many a happy visit, and Lawrence daily gathered re- 
newed assurance that he possessed the girl’s affection, 
though the precious knowledge failed to advance him a 
step toward the ultimate result. So unused was the 
dazed fellow to the high-toned courtesies and ladylike 


lucia’s prayer. 


98 


ways of a patrician girl, that at times he was fain to 
believe that the angelic creature was practicing the least 
bit of coquetry — an art almost pardonable in the butter- 
fly beauties of less exalted rank. But Lawrence’s mind 
was easily disabused of such notions by Lucia’s daily 
good-bys ; for her last hand-touch at parting, and the 
delicious glances of her glad blue eyes ere he descended 
the stairs, could not fail to re-assure the abashed lover, 
and make it plain to his keen apprehension that if he 
dared to essay the lofty vault, there was a very heaven 
of happiness in store for him. 

After weeks of such delicious love-lessons, Lady Sey- 
mour was now about to meet her lover for the last time. 
What wonder that* she was anxious and unnerved while 
contemplating the vital import of the coming meeting ! 
The crush and confusion of a diplomatic reception could 
not prove a suitable place for a young hostess to isolate 
herself for the purpose of love-making; thus the girl 
was vexed and dismayed by the unaccountable delay of 
her lover. 

After long watching through the deepening twilight 
for the Admiral’s boat, a neighboring clock struck the 
hour previous to that of the reception. Lady Lucia was 
startled as if the cruel bell had struck the knell of her 
love — if not her life. With a low outcry of grief she 
fell upon her knees, impelled by the conviction that 
she must now seek aid from the heavenly source as never 
before. 

Lucia was accustomed to appeal to the heavenly 
Father during all the momentous events of her life, and 
never doubted but a willing ear would be turned earth- 


94 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ward at her call. She not only found sweet solace in 
prayer, hut a never-failing guidance during every crisis 
of her existence. She now pleaded earnestly and pite- 
ously that her God would make one more opportunity 
for her lover, and instill the needed courage into the 
noble heart upon whom her future happiness depended. 

Kneeling in the attitude of utmost entreaty at one of 
the eastern apertures, the wavy motions of her willowy 
form could be distinguished through the dusky evening, 
swaying with the gentle undulation of long grasses when 
touched by the summer breeze. It was a touching, a 
sacred scene ; one,to call down the kindred spirits from 
the sky, and induce her sister angels to tread softly dur- 
ing such earnest supplications from a maiden. It was 
a prayer intoned to melody by the subject and the occa- 
sion. A girl’s sweet confession to the All-Wise, in which 
she besought her God to link one dear name with eternal 
Love — human and divine. 

While Lady Lucia was invoking the divine blessing, 
the full-orbed moon rose into a cloudless sky, serene 
and bright as the face of a god. Stealing higher and 
higher into the heavens, the night-queen leaned lovingly 
out over the prayerful maiden with almost a lover’s ten- 
derness, listening with bended ear and hushed heart-beat 
to catch the spiritual response to her questionings. 
Peering inquisitively down upon the kneeling girl, the 
great solemn-faced orb became dumb and silent at the 
seraphic expression of a human face while thus appealing 
for love. 

Lucia rose from her knees and passed into the cham- 
ber to complete her final toilet before the coming hour. 


THE PLEASANT OMEN. 


95 


She who was not accustomed to deck her person to attract 
the eye of man, now stood irresolute before her mirror, 
wondering what shade of fabric or fashion of jewels 
would best pleasure the man she loved. The task was 
unsatisfying, for the motives were conflicting ; and she 
ended by discarding all attempt at display of showy 
robes or jeweled decorations. 

At length she dressed in rich, plain attire, lest by her 
courtly vesture and undue brilliance she might remind 
Lawrence too visibly of her high station in life. Thus, 
modest colors and simple raiment became her final aim, 
with no other adornment than a cream-colored rosebud 
in her hair, to remind her beloved of the first gift she 
made him when they met on the flagship. 

Bidding Irene and the tire-woman to retire until it 
was time for the guests to arrive, Lucia contemplated 
going out upon the balcony to allay her agitation and 
collect her thoughts. While standing before her mirror 
in an absent, introspective mood, clutching the loved 
image of her sailor-boy to her heart, and unconsciously 
murmuring sweet words of welcome for his ear, the fair 
girl was suddenly startled, if not appalled, by what 
seemed Lawrence’s manly reflection in the glass, so 
visibly had his beloved face been impressed on her 
mental retina. As the eye may watch a skylark rise 
into the high empyrean, and continue to see it long 
after it has receded from view. 

Trifling as was the circumstance, it served to encour- 
age and delight Lady Seymour — as the gentle sex are 
much given to seeing omens in thistle-down and shadows 
— and it so revived and elated her for the time that 


96 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


she felt sure all might yet go well. The novel event 
imparted such girlish ecstasy that Lady Lucia proceeded 
to pantomime a warm welcome in mock reception of her 
tardy lover, whom she had been in doubt just how to 
receive since his cruel disappointment. 

When at length the hour appointed for the guests to 
assemble chimed from the church tower, Lucia’s heart 
went down like a falling rocket, and the last vestige of 
roses went out of lips and cheeks. Except for the up- 
heaval of her palpitating bosom, and the quivering of 
her nether lip, the pale girl might have been taken for a 
statue fresh hewn in marble. Yet she was a breathing 
statue, all aglow with newly imparted soul, and tremu- 
lous with the concentrated emotions of life. 

The Earl now sent Irene to ask her mistress to come 
to him, and be ready to receive their guests. For the 
last time the agitated girl turned to her pier-glass before 
responding to her father’s call, never with so little 
satisfaction in her personal charms and rich attire. Yet 
to all other eyes there was an innate loveliness and dainti- 
ness about Lady Seymour — robed in any garb — which 
never failed to fascinate all who beheld her. 

The girl’s queenly carriage and classic features ever 
held one perplexed with mingled emotions. As when 
one dwells too long upon the Melian Venus admiration 
deepens into awe, for one seems to behold an exquisite 
embodiment of life not made with hands ; so upon this 
night, the rare maiden seemed too ethereal and pure and 
beautiful to be subjected to the indignities and passions 
of the world. 


CHAPTER XI. 


RECEPTION AT THE EMBASSY. 


MONG the first to arrive at the embassy were the 



incumbents of the three principal Consulates, the 
English, French, and American, who came with their 
ladies and friends. Then came the city officials of 
Victoria, followed somewhat later by Governor Dinsmore 
and his staff, accompanied not only by their ladies, but 
by numerous other fair women from Kow-Loon. 

Among the most important personages of the last 
group was Lady Dinsmore, who, were it not considered 
too personal to estimate her by bulk, was deemed a 
trifle more than two and a half of the fussy little Sir 
John, though he was tricked out in his cumbersome 
uniform for the occasion. 

Lady Seymour stood by the Earl, bestowing her whole 
attention upon the special business of the moment : 
receiving their guests with the hearty welcome for 
which the urbane old Earl was noted. One by one they 
received a cordial greeting, and passed on into the 
drawing-room, without let or hindrance of any kind, 
until the stupendous wife of the governor came bowling 
down in the wake of the pygmy official before her. 
Alas, that this huge galliot should deem it commendable 
to exhibit her grace and agility to the crowd by embra- 
cing Lady Lucia with her ponderous arms. Poor girl ! 


97 


98 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


for a long anxious minute she disappeared from the 
sight of mortal eyes, smothered in furbelows and laces, 
and swallowed up in the gross adiposis as if absorbed 
forever. Strange as it may seem, the dainty little 
hostess at length appeared intact, and not much the 
worse for the encounter, though the color of her face 
was unduly augmented by the occasion. 

An hour passed, and eighty guests were grouped here 
and there about the audience-room, while most of the 
dear feminine tongues were glibly debating the absence 
of the Admiral and Captain Lawrence, judiciously con- 
cluding that there must have been a break in the pretty 
romance in which one and all were so greatly interested. 

Lady Seymour could not fail to comprehend the awk- 
ward situation, and her mortification was more than she 
could bear. She became apprehensive lest Captain Law- 
rence might be wholly deterred from coming, and she be 
compelled to sail for England without an interview. 
Her color came and went, and her heart became so 
greatly oppressed that, had there not been a pause in 
the arrivals, she would have left her father to receive 
by himself. 

At length the Admiral’s boisterous voice was heard 
upon the stairs, and the bibulous official soon made his 
appearance, arm in arm with Captain Walsh, his flag- 
captain, followed by Lawrence, among a number of dis- 
tinguished naval officers. Lady Lucia’s heart leaped, as 
if it were bent upon taking wing and flying to her lover. 
Then came a revulsion of feeling, when she was con- 
fronted by the question how she ought to receive the 
delinquent fellow; and paler than the snow-crest of 


MEETING OF THE LOVERS. 


99 


Fujiama were her cheeks when she saw that the man 
whom she loved better than all the world was really 
approaching her. 

The exquisite sense of coquetry which is developed in 
all women during their effusive days of wooing com- 
prises a cunning system of diplomacy worthy of a states- 
man. Now, when her tardy lover suddenly stood before 
her, all Lady Lucia’s playful speeches in dulcet tones 
and winsome manner, matured and embellished before 
her mirror in welcome of her lover, had been made null 
and void by his non-appearance at the appointed hour. 

While Sir Michael was greeting the Earl, and nodding 
roguishly to his niece, his attention was called to Lucia’s 
unusual agitation. The ancient mariner at once divined 
the reason, and adroitly suffered the naval officers of 
rank around him to come forward to be received, and 
pass on among the guests. Then, beckoning to Law- 
rence to come forward, the cunning old seaman pur- 
posely blocked the way against the reception of others 
of inferior importance by holding the Earl’s attention 
with an apparent show of official business. 

When Lawrence advanced to greet Lady Lucia, and 
took the ice-cold hand which she proffered him, and 
witnessed the anxiety and pallor depicted on her face, 
it awoke his solicitude and aroused his self-assertion on 
the instant. He at once demanded that the crowd 
should stand back and give Lady Seymour more air. 
His loving sympathies were couched in tender tones, 
which reverberated through her tremulous heart as the 
matchless echo of the Taj Mahal vibrates over the 
Jumna. Her lover’s gentle tones and affectionate 


100 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


glances, together with the warm pressure of his hand, 
brought back the truant blood to Lucia’s face, and the 
proud English peeress was found tongueless no more. 

Having permitted Captain Lawrence to linger a few 
precious minutes beside the fair girl, long enough to 
make his excuse for tardiness and quiet Lucia’s dis- 
turbed mind, the big-hearted Admiral came forward and 
took Lawrence by the arm, and led him into the. great 
concourse of people, many of whom had previously 
expressed a wish to become acquainted with his protege. 

In an assemblage of veteran officers gathered from 
the army and navy of England — where valor is a 
national heritage — an untitled hero, coming from the 
civilian ranks of commerce, must have achieved great 
deeds and attained to rare merit to be commended with 
unanimity of praise by such scarred veterans in both 
arms of the service. 

Women are even' more susceptible to the influence of 
martial deeds than men. They so readily surround a 
chivalrous soul with the halo of virtues usually linked 
to valor, that a hero’s brave acts become his best 
accessory in beguiling the affections of the fair. 

After most of the guests had arrived, Lady Seymour 
went among the people, and soon became the center and 
soul of the company. She sang and played an hour for 
a musical group gathered about the British grand, placed 
in the center of the room, until her rich voice and rare 
instrumental skill drew the best part of the assembly 
about her. 

Having thus given an incentive to the numerous 
singers and players present, the talented young hostess 


FEMININE INTUITION. 


101 


adroitly withdrew from the musicale, and soon after 
appeared among a gathering of noble authors, about 
whom were clustered an intellectual coterie discussing 
literature and art. Even here Lady Lucia was at her 
ease, and she easily contrived to impart new zest to the 
subject in hand by permeating the exalted theme with 
her spirituality and feminine intuition — elements 
often as searching and incisive as man’s profoundest 
reasonings. 

Lady Seymour’s intellectual training and sometime 
tuition, under the watchful care and supervision of the 
Earl, had had the effect to broaden her scope of vision 
and deepen her penetration, until her grasp of all the 
great interests of life, whether national, intellectual, or 
individual, was something to astonish and delight the 
distinguished literati, into whose long-winded, prosaic 
expositions the brilliant girl had burst like a heaven- 
sent meteor. Withdrawing from their midst, Lucia left 
the cultured group a new topic to ponder and classify, 
for the mental acumen of a versatile woman is as diffi- 
cult to dissect and characterize as are the component 
parts of the above sky-born explosive to which we have 
likened her. 

Seeking another class of the mixed congregation, 
where the various amusements of society tricks and 
frivolous games, invented for the mediocral mind, had 
grown dull to the tired votaries, Lady Lucia prompted 
some new incentive to mirth, and soon left the fun-loving 
group blessing her for her brightness and condescension. 

At length the ubiquitous girl appeared in a more 
remote part of the room, toward which her eager heart 


102 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


had long since trended, where she found Uncle Seymour 
and her lover overlooking a profound game of chess, 
played by the Earl and the Governor, both of whom had 
been thoroughly beaten by Captain Lawrence during the 
evening. 

With a roguish smile and a fond greeting, Lady Lucia 
insinuated her slight form between the two onlookers, 
and took an arm of each, determined that no mortal 
power should dispossess her for the present. Her glad 
face showed something more than contentment now that 
she could rest an arm on the two, with the precious 
privilege of being very near the one she loved. 

After a while Lord Monk came and found her out, 
and playfully endeavored to wedge himself in between 
the lovers. But the argus-eyed Admiral discovered the 
diminutive middy, and ordered him away, with a mock 
threat of mast-heading the dainty little fellow if he 
became unruly in his august presence. 

At the thoughtful suggestion of Sir Michael, prompted 
with a deal of pantomimic nods and gesticulations, Lady 
Lucia was induced to seek quiet and rest in some 
secluded part of the room, and Captain Lawrence could 
not do otherwise than escort the fair lady whither she 
wished. Dumb with delight, the happy pair wandered 
away in the vain quest of solitude in a crowd, but glad 
beyond measure to be together. 

Seated upon a divan, apart by themselves, the lovers 
were prepared to make the most of their interview, and 
partake to their fill of the sweet ecstasies of love. Lady 
Lucia was intent upon giving Lawrence a final oppor- 
tunity to declare his affection. With clasped hands 


LORD HERTFORD. 


103 


they sat gazing lovingly upon each other, tongueless as 
mutes. It was a momentous moment ! Lucia’s soul 
was aflame with impatience, and her agitated young 
heart fluttered like the broken wing of a bird, in antici- 
pation of the coming request which was to make her 
weal or woe. 

Suddenly an impatient gesture from Lucia drew Law- 
rence’s attention to the tall, lank figure of Lord Hertford. 
His Lordship was approaching with some sinister pur- 
pose against his cousin, made evident by the fierce twirl 
which he was imparting to the fiery points of his waxed 
mustache. 

Hertford was the fop and bore of the English fleet. 
Disliked and feared for his capricious acts and self- 
sufficiency, — qualities ever begot by cowardice, — he 
was reviled in public and ridiculed in private by the junior 
officers for his insipid manners and twaddle talk. He 
had long been a thorn in Lucia’s side, but, being a cousin 
of the Seymours, she felt compelled to tolerate his pres- 
ence on all occasions, and she had often defended his 
Lordship from the derision of his juniors. Lucia’s 
apparent kindness had acquired a double meaning in 
Hertford’s shallow mind, until he assumed that her 
public attention showed a preference capable of being 
construed into an enduring affection. 

The flag-lieutenant boastingly informed his boon com- 
panions that her Ladyship was only making use of the 
American Captain as a foil, by which to compel his 
Lordship to propose for her hand. Some degree of 
countenance was given to this assumption, during the 
evening, by Hertford’s impertinence in several times 


104 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


separating his cousin from the companion of her choice ; 
acting under the pretense of inducing Lady Seymour to 
sing or play at the request of some distinguished guest. 

This effrontery and want of tact had at length become 
unendurable, and Lady Lucia was now prepared to give 
his Lordship a sturdy denial, whatever his requests 
might be. 

With a haughty bow to Lawrence, Hertford advanced 
and confronted his cousin with an insipid smile, as he 
addressed her : “ Augh ! me pet cousin, indulging the 
Yankee Captain in another private confab, eh ? ’Fraid 
you two people might talk out and bore each other. So 
T kindly suggested to Gov. Dinsmore that a little of 
your sweet soprano might take some of that dem bari- 
tone’s 1 Bude Boreas’ out of a fellow: and Sir John 
asked me to hunt you up. Permit me to escort you to 
the piano, me lady.” And he proffered his arm. 

“ I think not, Hertford. I have played and sung 
quite enough for one evening. Your Lordship should 
be satisfied to let some one else amuse you for a while.” 

“ Demme ! but what will the Governor say to your 
Ladyship’s refusal ? ” 

“ I don’t think his Excellency had anything to do with 
it. It’s your own affair.” 

“ Augh, indeed ! You quite surprise me, me lady. 
Questioning the vewacity of a Hertford, eh ? ” And the 
fop twirled his mustache with rising ire. 

“Hertford, did the Governor truly send, requesting 
me to sing ? ” 

“ True,’ pon ’onor, ma belle” And he again offered 
his arm, as he saw Lady Lucia was relenting. 


THE INTRUSIVE FOP. 


105 


“ Then if Captain Lawrence will kindly excuse me for 
half an hour, I suppose I should comply. But it is most 
unkind of you, Hertford, to drag me into notice again 
to-night.” Turning to Lawrence after she had taken 
Hertford’s arm, she said, “ Will you not accompany us, 
Captain, and sit where you can more easily catch the 
rendering of my low notes ? I will sing your American 
favorite, 1 Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep,’ for my 
last song.” 

Though full of indignation at the rude interruption, 
Lawrence smiled and bowed assent to Lady Lucia’s 
request. With a clouded brow, he walked by her side 
till they reached the piano. Taking his station against 
one of the fluted columns of the room, where he could 
retain a profile view of the singer, Lawrence stood with 
folded arms drinking in every note which fell from 
Lucia’s lips, entranced by the tremulous intonation of 
her song. 

Alas ! the enchanting pathos of her singing so exalted 
the singer in his ardent conception that Lawrence sad- 
dened with the oft-obtruding thought that it was a gross 
wrong for him to aspire to one so cultured and exalted 
in rank. While the last words of the bewitching sea- 
song yet lingered on her tongue, Lady Lucia looked 
around with a beaming face for the approval of but one 
person in all that concourse of admiring friends. 

Lord Hertford saw the exchange of glances passed 
between the lovers, and grew purple with rage. Laying 
his hand almost rudely upon the arm of the singer, as 
she sought to rise at the close of the song, he persistently 
begged Lucia to sing something more to his liking ere 


106 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


she retired. With tears in her eyes, Lady Seymour 
reluctantly gave way, and sang the song which the brutal 
fellow demanded, vividly recollecting her father’s saying, 
“God has inflicted Hertford upon us to chastise the 
overweening pride of the Seymours.” 

For nearly half an hour Lady Lucia was detained 
against her wishes, pleasuring this man. While yet the 
encores of the guests invaded her ears, she sprang up 
and turned to meet her lover; but Lawrence had dis- 
appeared. As we have seen, the sensitive sailor became 
heart-sick at the temerity of wooing one so far above 
him — above any man born of woman. He was, withal, 
just a trifle indignant with the fair girl herself, whom 
he had seen yield too easily to the further importunities 
of the hated Hertford. In such a mixed state of mind, 
Lawrence had hastily retreated with a bitter resolution 
not to again obtrude upon Lady Seymour. Stalking 
across the room to a group of naval officers, who had 
frequently importuned him to relate some of his sea 
experience, he thrust himself into their midst, and soon 
had the intelligent seamen eagerly listening to his 
perilous adventures. 

When the keen-eyed girl searched the room she was 
not long discovering her lover, though he was almost 
hidden from view. With the quick intuition of her sex, 
Lucia comprehended the mental condition of the foiled 
man at a glance. A cold shudder crept over her lest she 
should now lose her loved friend forever. Her mind 
swept over their whole brief acquaintance, and gathered 
up the broken links of their disjointed evening’s inter- 
course. 


THE INSULTED MAIDEN. 


107 


Throughout the evening, however much Lucia appar- 
ently followed the direction of others, she nevertheless 
secretly managed to play and sing wholly for Lawrence, 
touching chord after chord in the noble soul of her best 
of lovers. And though Lawrence subsequently con- 
fessed that she had thrilled him to the core with her 
deft touch of minstrelsy and song, yet the alert girl 
perceived that each new charm which she displayed did 
but waft her away from his middle level of life, wherein 
the abashed man dared to aspire for her love. 

An audible exclamation of grief and disappointment 
escaped the proud young peeress, and her looks and acts 
were sad to behold. While she stood weighing her per- 
plexities, tearful and irresolute, endeavoring to keep 
down her rising grief, and smother her indignation 
against Hertford for his part in the affair, his Lordship 
came forward and proffered his services, and courteously 
asked Lady Lucia to take a turn with him on the bal- 
cony; saying, with a sardonic grin of satisfaction — if 
not derision — upon his face, as Lucia took his arm, — 

“ Augh, me sweet ! Come, I have something of special 
interest for your ear. Never mind that Yankee Captain ; 
he isn’t worth a thought from one of our rank. There’s 
been too much pow-wow about that small affair of his. 
I weally wish I might have been there, just to show the 
world what a Hertford could accomplish. Augh, me 
belle Coz ! that fellow is nullius filius, you know.” 

Perhaps never in the history of love and hate was a 
sweet young face so suddenly transformed with disgust 
and ire. When Lady Seymour dropped the Lieutenant’s 
arm — which she had taken with avidity that he might 


108 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


escort her to where Lawrence had retreated — the silent 
speechless scorn of the Ludovici Juno was impressed on 
the face and form of the insulted maiden. 

Scorn, fiery, flashing scorn, gleamed in her deep blue 
eyes — usually so soft and serene — as she threw her 
graceful figure into its tallest, grandest poise, while 
Hertford was delivering himself of his cruel philippic. 
In tones tremulous with passion, and words withering 
and incisive, Lucia replied, — 

“ Sir, merit ever wins its own high meed in the world. 
Know you* not that the baying of a thousand aristocratic 
curs cannot dim the luster of the moon ? My Lord 
Hertford ! rank is a heritage which may chance to fall 
to a poltroon and a fop, as we well know. Your Lord- 
ship ought to be aware, as well as myself and others, 
that all of our English nobility are not noble. Some 
whom we have recently met are so paltry-hearted — so 
shallow-brained — as to disrate one of Nature’s noblemen, 
and that too in his absence, and behind his back ! Fie 
upon you, Lord Hertford ! for a coward and a knave. I 
abhor and detest you as I would a snake. Get you gone 
from my presence ! ” 

“ Augh, I beg your pardon, me belle cousin. I had 
been unwilling until this minute to believe that your 
Ladyship weally cared for this untitled personage — this 
demmed Yankee Captain, of unknown birth.” 

“ Untitled and unknown, indeed! Who knows of 
the existence of your mighty Lordship, except as a blot 
upon the peerage ? Cannot my Lord comprehend that 
hereditary titles are but straws to uphold the vanity of 
fops and fools ? Lord Hertford may indulge in what 


lucia’s scornful retort. 


109 


belief he pleases about my likes and dislikes, if he will 
never again err about the latter sentiment, or intrude 
upon the attention which other gentlemen may choose 
to bestow upon me.” 

“ Demme ! I’ll not meddle in this confounded business 
again if I see you going to ruin. But, weally, there’s 
altogether too much ado made about this pirate-killing 
gentleman — this Nature’s nobleman,’ indeed!” 

“ That may be your egotistical opinion, Hertford, but 
it is not the avowed construction put upon his acts of 
heroism by your betters, among all classes. None knew 
better than your Lordship that it was not native courage 
or deeds of valor which induced the Admiralty to confer 
upon you the first lieutenancy of uncle’s flagship.” 

“ Augh ! by St. George of England, Lucia, you’re 
growing too hard on a fellow of my standing in the 
navy. I’ll not stand here and be insulted before this 
noble company, all on account of a dem Yankee, demme 
if I will. If you were a noble Lord, I would call you 
out and fight you, or thrash you on the spot.” 

“ Softly ! most august Peer of the Realm. If you but 
ask me, I will mention the names of five brother lieuten- 
ants who have challenged you without result ; and of more 
than one Yankee Captain who has thrashed you in the 
bowling alleys — once for insulting the American Con- 
sul — when you lost every king’s button on your coat. 
Most noble cousin ! will you indeed promise not to run, 
if I will produce a brace of pistols ? ” 

“ Lucia, I hope the devil may sink you and your 
Yankee in the bottom of the sea !” 

And Lord Hertford bowed himself away with a half 


110 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


haughty, half ashamed air ; sneaking abruptly from the 
room, for the laughter and innuendoes of the people 
began to reach his ear, till he became alarmed for his 
safety ; either from fear of fighting a duel with Lady 
Lucia, or of being kicked from the room by some who 
threatened to stop his further rudeness. Lew men can 
withstand the virtuous onslaught of a woman, for none 
other can so readily dwarf a cowardly, foppish man, 
until he becomes amazed at his own insignificance. 

After lightning comes the rain. With tearfql eyes 
Lady Seymour turned to the piano for relief, playing a 
quick stirring air, with the touch of a Melpomene; en- 
deavoring to drown the just hatred and indignation 
lingering in her soul. Admiral Seymour soon heard of 
the brave lashing which his loved niece had inflicted on 
the Lieutenant, and hastened, with his fat sides shaking 
with jollity, to learn the cause. 

In the April days of girlhood, a briny shower of 
maiden-tears are never far distant from vernal sunshine. 
By the time Lady Lucia had composed herself, and 
become serene and self-reliant, she turned to look about 
her in time to meet the rubicund face of Sir Michael, 
who was bowling down before a gale of fun and frolic, 
with colors flying from truck to peak in admiration of 
the recent engagement, in which the lesser craft proved 
her superior gunnery over the cumbersome three-decker. 

While Lucia was furiously thrumming the piano to 
hide her grief and confusion, she solved the problem 
with regard to Lawrence. The Seymour element had 
effervesced and cleared the air, and now Lucia’s aroused 
soul coveted some desperate task of courage to test her 


lucia’s desperation. 


Ill 


endurance. Before the fracas with Hertford, Lucia well 
knew the strength of her affection for her lover; but 
she did not know until now how much contumely she 
would endure to win him, and show the strength of her 
affection to the world. 

Playfully seizing upon the Admiral’s arm, as he ap- 
proached, Lucia frankly told him, in few words, all that 
had happened in presence of the company ; and received 
his hearty praise for what she had done. Then, with a 
bland and courtly smile, she bowed to the gaping crowd, 
and requested the big-eared people to withdraw from 
about her, and leave her a minute’s privacy with Ad- 
miral Seymour. When free from curious ears, Lucia 
told her uncle her despair of success, and her determina- 
tion to attempt any proper thing which might win Law- 
rence’s love ; ending her plea by saying, — 

“ Moreover, uncle, you must not permit one of your 
quizzing officers to intrude a minute during the interview 
on the balcony. Do you understand, you best of uncles ? 
I am going to test your love to-night as never before.” 

“ Ay, ay, little darling ! Trust to me till the ship 
goes down. I’ll stand guard with a lady’s bodkin, ready 
to repel boarders should so much as a cat’s paw steal out 
upon the balcony. So heave ahead, and save wind and 
tide.” 

“ Many thanks, you good old dear. You shall have 
lots of kisses if you remain true to your colors to.-night. 
Now let us go and snatch Captain Lawrence from that 
snarl of lieutenants and midshipmen, among whom he 
has immured himself.” 

“Come on, noble lassie ! But just what is your plan 
of attack ? ” 


112 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ Any plan that you may suggest. For, since Hertford 
has disclosed my love to the whole concourse of his 
companions, I am equal to any emergency. But the 
sum total of the plan is : I must make prize of the man, 
and escape with him to the balcony. So, uncle, see that 
you level a broadside at the first person who says nay to 
this piece of strategy.” 

“ Certainly, my pet robin ! Your Uncle Seymour will 
take off his coat to the first impudent Briton who don’t 
make a clear coast for my darling. So, lassie, smooth 
your ruffled plumage and make ready to board in the 
smoke, sword in hand. Do you know, Lucia, that I love 
the youngster all the better for carrying his sail so 
modestly in an affaire du coeur with a lady of your 
rank ? ” 

“ Oh, thank you, uncle, for every kind word spoken of 
him. The quality which you speak of has also endeared 
him to me. I much fear that the noble fellow has heard 
some of Hertford’s derisive remarks about his attention 
to me, so, in chastising his Lordship, I trust that I have 
put down all his saucy clique together.” 

u Well, nous verrons, ma belle Lucia ! ” 

As these two noble craft — of such unequal tonnage — 
quietly approached the officers gathered about Lawrence, 
one of their number discovered the Admiral, and ex- 
claimed, — 

“ Make way, gentlemen ! Make way for Lady Lucia 
and Admiral Seymour.” 

The circle opened quickly to receive the new-comers, 
who passed in, bowing and smiling to all. The Admiral 
led his niece directly to the object of their search, almost 


SEIZING UPON HER LOVER. 


113 


rudely intent upon his purpose, while Lady Lucia blush- 
ingly responded to the courtly greetings of all, ending 
by a more deliberate explanation of her purpose, — 

“ Thanks, gentlemen and friends. But you may not 
deem that we deserve your welcome when the object of 
our intrusion is known. We come, gentlemen, to rob 
you of the central object of your interest and generous 
encomia, though we admit that none but the brave are 
so capable of doing just homage to their peers.” 

Turning to Lawrence, her glad face made crimson with 
a delicious joy, which sparkled in her eyes and made 
her voice tremulous with emotion, she addressed him, — 

“ Qaptain Lawrence, it is a whole hour since I have 
spoken with you. May I not now claim your attention 
for a while ? ” 

“Most certainly, my Lady. It will pleasure me to 
undertake any service that you may require. In what 
manner can I serve you ? ” 

“ Oh, you have not yet fulfilled your promise about 
relating the sea fight. The half remains to be told. I 
wish to take home to Her Majesty, the Queen, a full 
history of the event from your lips. Shall we walk 
upon the balcony ? ” 

“Yes, my Lady, if it please you, and the night air 
prove not too cool over the bay ? ” 

“ None too cool for me. I love the sea air at all times, 
especially when spun with moonbeams as now.” Tak- 
ing Lawrence’s arm, while she still retained the Admi- 
ral’s, she continued, “Uncle says that it takes pretty 
close questioning to obtain the best part of your story. 
So, Captain, craving the indulgence of your friends, I 


114 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


must have you all to myself.” Adding with a bit of 
roguery in her look and voice, at the success of her mis- 
sion, “Without dear uncle will continue his gallant 
escort ? ” 

And the overjoyed creature pinched the old man’s arm 
severely — to quicken his wits, and hasten his negative 
reply — and playfully tapped his corrugated cheek with 
her sandalwood fan, as she compelled him to reply. 

“ Come, uncle, it shall be wing-and-wing, if you will 
go. Only you would make a third party, you know.” 
Her last repartee elicited an uproarious guffaw from the 
fun-loving seaman, who gladly relinquished his charge 
to Lawrence, with a parting shot at the fair girl. 

“Nay, Lucia, dear, I’m too old a cruiser to double- 
bank at my time of life, especially with such odds on the 
port wing. We’ll give you an uninterrupted hour to 
squeeze out that story from the Captain, and I’ll see to 
it that there shall be no intrusion from mortal man.” 

This nautical retort created a hearty peal of laughter 
among the lieutenants, in which Lady Lucia joined 
merrily. Having relinquished her uncle’s arm, Lucia 
clung to Lawrence; and together they sailed majestically 
through the room, she happy as a bird, with a strong 
outspoken love illuminating her face. A murmur of ap 
probation filled the assembly — as when the summer 
breeze fans an iEolian lyre — to witness the handsome 
pair sweep through the concourse of admiring people. 

“Well mated, by Jove ! ” exclaimed Sir Michael to the 
Earl as they met, his face beaming with delight. “ Two 
such rarce aves don’t often consort. Eh, my Lord 
George ? ” 


THE HAPPY PAIR. 


115 


“ Truly, Michael, they sail well in couples ; graceful 
as two royal swans in Moorland mere. Lucia seems 
very happy since her acquaintance with the young 
American.” 

“ Eight, my Lord. And a worthier mariner she’ll 
never find.” 

“ Pity that you couldn’t make a naval commander of 
him, Michael. He’d make his mark in time of need.” 

“ I wish we could. But the fellow has no aspirations 
for the post. He further asserts that his recent sea-fight 
was none of his seeking, — a sort of thing that he would 
neither seek nor avoid. Ay, there’s a ring of the true 
metal about the Captain.” 

“Admiral,” said the Governor, as he came up to join 
in the conversation,. “ I am right glad that we gave the 
Yankee Captain his just dues, for he rightly deserves all 
we have done for him.” 

“You are right, Sir John. I have drawn the attention 
of the Lords of Admiralty to his recent service in our 
waters. And I hope St. Clare will press the govern- 
ment to take suitable notice of his brave acts.” 

“I certainly shall draw Lord John Bussell’s attention 
to the matter at my first audience — do you know, Dins- 
more, that I half think my Lucia has lost her heart to 
the noble fellow ? ” 

“ But your Lordship sails with the morning tide, and 
they will hardly meet again,” replied the Governor. 

“ Yes, I know, and my daughter may find some one 
else — perhaps less worthy — to take his place.” And 
the old Earl sighed, while his fond eyes followed the 
direction which the lovers had taken, as with a deep- 
seated regret. 


116 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“Ah, George, my brother, it does one’s- old heart good 
to watch the leap and tingle of such young blood. I 
think the matter will not end here.” 

“ Why should you think so ?” asked Sir John. 

“Nothing to hinder Lawrence from going to England 
when he gives up the sea. He has gobbled up' half a 
million of wealth from that old Spanish galleon. So if 
my Lord Seymour don’t mind his lack of title and nota- 
ble ancestry, there’s no reason why the handsome couple 
are not well mated.” 

“You know right well, Michael, that I place high 
character and noble attainments above hereditary rank 
and mere distinction of birth. My daughter has ever 
heard me advocate these axioms ; and such sentiments 
were inculcated by her much loved mother. Aside from 
this assumption, I am confident that Lucia’s keen mother- 
wit will stand her in good stead in all such matters, and 
prevent her ever taking a false step until the right per- 
son presents — when she can be left to make her own 
selection.” 


CHAPTER XII. 


THE MYSTERIOUS FAST-BOAT. 



ETEN amidst the happy hours of luxurious wooing 


at the embassy during the past weeks, Lady Lucia 
had occasion to doubt the probability of inducing her 
modest sailor to declare the ultimate expression of his 
love. But, now, after what had just transpired, she felt 
herself possessed of the supreme of power, and was in 
no mood to lose her lover for want of a final ultimatum 
coming from herself, if need be. Lawrence had been 
suddenly made aware of this new state of things, not 
only by the air of self-assurance with which Lady Sey- 
mour had snatched him from among his chosen compan- 
ions, but, also, from her more ardent manner, and the 
soft resonance of her voice, which she artfully deflected 
in low tones to his ear as she addressed him on their 
way to the balcony. 

“ Oh, Captain Lawrence ! let me hope that you will 
forgive me, just this once, for thus purloining you away 
from such appreciative companions.” And there was a 
tremulous pulsation in her warm breath as it purred 
against his cheek, which proved the keynote of that 
which was to follow. 

“Indeed, Lady Seymour, I confess to feeling proud 
that you have selected me from such a brilliant throng 
of naval men, some of whom were of your own rank.” 


117 


118 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Unconsciously a slight pressure of their locked arms 
verified the momentary gratification of both. 

As they emerged from the stifled room and glare of 
light within, Lady Lucia scanned the balcony with a 
scrutinizing glance, seeking the most suitable nook for 
the imperative task in hand. But there was no place 
free from the noisy loiterers, whose curious eyes and 
listening ears would debar her from giving voice to her 
overburdened heart. Determined upon her mission, 
together they approached a central aperture which was 
encumbered with midshipmen, who quickly made way 
before the imperious glance of the now haughty peeress ; 
yet, with the consummate impudence of their craft, they 
remained within earshot of the lovers. Almost, the 
queenly Seymour was tempted to assume the Admiral’s 
baton of command, and order these embryo warriors off 
the quarter-deck of her castle. 

The night on which this scene transpired was one of 
transcendent beauty. One to lift the thoughts of man 
above himself — above all things earthy — into the high 
empyrean beyond the stars. The Lover’s moon was 
bending over them from a cloudless heaven, dispensing 
its hallowed light over land and sea, and stealing prayer- 
like into their receptive souls as whispered benedictions 
fall from the winged spirits of the sky. It was a 
heaven-sent moment for Lady Lucia ! Most opportune 
for her desires, for human existence then doubles its 
life-throbs, — as counted by the radial pulse-beats, — 
and man’s increased susceptibility to loving. 

The great yellow orb had rounded to its full, and was 
nearing its perigee — a phase of lunar attraction subtle 


THE LOVER S MOON. 


119 


and cruel beyond conception. A planetary era filled 
with perilous influences for young lovers when pre-occu- 
pied with each other ; an epoch when reason becomes 
subservient to instinct and intuition in the youthful 
soul, from a divine effluence that increases the ardor 
and affability of timid hearts, which elsewise might 
stand aloof forever, isolate as hermits, until they con- 
strue Love’s simplest utterances into glowing hopes that 
shine like beacon-lights and throbs like stars. 

Lawrence and Lady Lucia stood silently contemplating 
each other in the mellow moonbeams. Two self-con- 
scious souls of special nobleness and beauty ; both quiv- 
ering with emotions, like the throbbing light of the 
sparkling topaz on the maiden’s finger. Though they 
were both overflowing with unspoken love, they were 
prevented from speaking freely because of the lingering 
eavesdroppers, who had so increased that they now occu- 
pied every seat in the central part of the gallery. 

Wishing to rebuke the rudely encroaching listeners, 
and better their own condition, the lovers walked to the 
west end of the balcony, where but few intruders re- 
mained, and there leaned out over the balustrade to enjoy 
the serene beauty of view, with but slight hopes of an 
opportunity to exchange their vows. 

The tidal waves beat in rhythmic cadence against the 
base of the cliff, far down in the black shadows of the 
crag, disclosing the muffled heart-beat of the murmuring 
sea to the awe-inspired listeners above. A light breeze 
stirred the drooping leaves and pendent vines of the 
suspended plants, diffusing an agreeable fragrance from 
fruit and flowers, which the soft airs wafted with 


120 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


languid wings across the upturned faces of the 
lovers. 

It was a night when the pure-hearted become cogni- 
zant of spiritual influences and divine emotions, delicious 
conceptions too sacred and evanescent for daily food. 
A time when the unguarded windows of the soul are 
flung wide, — transmitting and receiving, — when the 
coyest maiden lifts the lattice bars from off her callow 
heart and lures the bashful lover into the resistless 
maelstrom of her love. 

That which might never have transpired had our 
lovers been content to woo amidst the mock allurements 
of a brilliant drawing-room, cannot fail to be consum- 
mated now, when two such rich, rare natures are brought 
beneath the influence of the resplendent night. The 
very circumstance of the balcony overhanging the mys- 
terious sea, which is ever voicing itself in mournful 
echoes from the long-buried past, and easily captivates 
human lovers by the tuneful whispering of its unseen 
denizens, deep hidden in the tumultuous depths, becomes 
an unfailing accessory to enhance the power of wooing. 

Neither all men nor all women are dowered like these, 
so self-poised and self-sustaining, with intensified pur- 
poses sufficiently strong and pure to permit them to 
trample upon the conventionalities that surround them. 
In the past weeks they had been so intent upon forging 
Cupid’s golden chains that they had ignored the essen- 
tial requirements of society, forgetful that envious eyes 
were upon them, until now carping tongues were heard 
murmuring at the sweet solicitude which they expressed 
for each other. One of the delinquents was deemed too 


woman’s heart an oracle. 


121 


aspiring for his plebeian birthright ; the other was 
thought too condescending for a person of such exalted 
rank. 

But it is a law of Nature that her loftiest mountains 
are the greatest centers of heat and dispensers of warmth 
to the low-down valleys. So there are human souls 
towering in such sublime grandeur above the mediocre 
of their kind, that their lives are sufficiently exalted and 
intensified to endure the test of lifting a rustic lover 
into the high places of the social world, without marring 
the superior luster of their escutcheon. 

Measured by her wealth, rank, and beauty, Lady 
Seymour might be deemed the most noted example of 
such erratic love. But she had carefully delved into her 
heart, and sublimated her affections, as few could do, 
until she came to understand herself and her require- 
ments, and learned that, with all her wide experience of 
men, there was but one . person who could endow her 
with happiness commensurate with her aspirations. 

How a girl in her teens could have acquired such 
knowledge we may fail to portray. But there is an 
interpreter in the immaculate soul of woman that neither 
tongue nor pen can impart to another. A shekinah 
which only the most intuitive of men can detect for 
themselves. As, while praying in the still small hours 
of night, man may receive an inarticulate premonition 
from the ambient spirits which he can only interpret 
for himself. 

Touch the heart of a pure maiden with her first initial 
love, deeply and tenderly, so there remains no lingering 
doubt but it is the embryo god-love tendered by her king 


122 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


of men, and she becomes a page of oracles, a book of 
songs. Every nerve-fiber in her being vibrates with 
melody, like a thousand stringed iEolian when touched 
by the summer breeze. 

0 man, know you not the sweet mysteries of the 
drooping lids in such an hour, hiding her languishing 
eyes, bright in your presence no more ? Then your dull 
ear would not awaken to the rustle of growing corn on a 
summer’s day, nor your dull eye behold the vibrant 
throbs of the silky stamens, palpitant with the ecstasy 
of new emotions, and the exquisite love of kind. 

Whether a peeress or a peasant, woman comes to you 
as a guardian angel, yet you dower her as your slave. 
Oh, brute in human guise ! rise up from off the grovel- 
ing earth, and learn that best joys brighten as you 
climb. That love is a guerdon to hoard with half the 
sordid pains which you accord your gold. Like your 
coin, happiness augments with keeping, and a great love 
leaves you worse than impoverished by its loss. Though 
the love of woman exceeds your own, it wears by your 
gigantic grossness, as a fresh-blown flower once in your 
grasp falls petal by petal, strewing your ruthless life- 
path with the perfume of dead loves. 

As we have seen, nothing could be more glorious than 
the panoramic scene lying at the feet of the lovers. 
Lady Lucia had shown great art and aptitude in choos- 
ing the balcony scene as a background for the dramatic 
interview with Captain Lawrence. Spread out beneath 
them were the fleets of merchant vessels, foreign and 
local. Beyond lay the French and English warships, 


THE FAST-BOAT. 


128 


whose sentinels were seen pacing the gangways and 
across the bows of the huge craft, their gleaming bayo- 
.nets flashing in the moonlight as they wheeled back and 
forth on their tireless guard. 

While every indenture along the shore was occupied 
with countless sampans, the unique water-homes of 
thousands of Coolie families, between which and the off- 
shore merchantmen were gathered many low, rakish- 
built fast-boats. Though these craft were rated at the 
custom house as coasters, they were ostensibly recognized 
in social parlance as smugglers, and many of them were 
chartered as such for the convenience of the English 
opium trade, — a relict of the British East India Com- 
pany. Elsewhere this would be considered an illicit 
traffic, here it was forced upon the so-called Barbarians 
by the bayonets of the enlightened subjects of England’s 
queen. 

These fast-boats carried two or three masts, and 
showed an enormous spread of lateen sails. They were 
pierced for from fifty to a hundred oars, or sweeps ; and, 
when running under oars and sails, these sometime free- 
booters were capable of great speed. As smugglers 
were entitled to go armed, to enable them to enforce 
their illegal coastwise traffic, wherever a purchaser could 
be found, their several cannon and other warlike equip- 
ments were not necessarily hidden from view. 

The mystery attached to these long snakish-built craft 
ever made them an object of interest and fear among 
foreigners, as every misdemeanor or act of piracy trans- 
acted on the high sea, or along the coast was rightfully 
attributed to the fast-boats. 


124 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Soon after Lawrence and Lucia took their position at 
the western aperture, one of the largest and most 
piratical-looking fast-boats attracted their attention, 
from her extreme nearness to the border-line of sampans. 
This fast-boat had dropped down the bay with the 
young flood, having scarcely wind enough to avoid the 
clumsy junks on the one hand and the trim-built 
sampans on the other. Fluttering along within pistol 
shot of the Cliff Stair, the sly craft let go her anchor ; 
and, as she swung head to the tide, the crew tidied up 
her decks, and at once -made her ready to get under 
way with dispatch. 

What most attracted the lovers was a graceful, ener- 
getic woman seen in command of the suspicious craft. 
Dressed in jaunty Spanish apparel, the female captain 
seemed but a girl in years, though her sharp commands 
were given with a professional vigor that made the 
sailors leap to do her bidding. It was nothing strange 
to see a woman managing the smaller craft in China, as 
the dominant female on a sampan always takes the 
helm, or tends the main sheet, and often with an infant 
slung to her back. 

But here was one of the sauciest craft in the harbor 
in full command of a dashing woman, belted about with 
pistols like a full-fledged captain. The jeweled hilt of 
her dagger glittered in the moonlight as she paced the 
quarter-deck with nervous strides. She was large- 
statured, and, judging from her free, sinuous motion, was 
a person of unusual strength. After their curiosity was 
aroused, the lovers watched the doings on the fast-boat 
through a night-glass ; and when the she captain’s face 


THE FEMALE CAPTAIN. 


125 


was turned up to the balcony, with the moon full upon 
it, it was discovered that she possessed remarkable 
beauty. 

Although the fast-boat was armed with three large 
cannon, pivoted along the central line of her deck, yet 
there was no attempt to conceal her armament, or pre- 
vent the appearance of a large crew. When summed up, 
these items presented a most piratical aspect to the 
nautical eye. 

Occasionally the female captain gave some brief order 
about trivial things, showing a smart degree of discipline 
among the crew, very rare in vessels of her class. For 
instance, a rope was heard towing overboard in the swift 
running tide, the captain gave two simple words of 
command, and a Spanish sailor came aft with alacrity 
to do her bidding. True, any woman might order a 
rope hauled aboard, but few could have done it so 
imperatively, and, if they had, would not have been 
obeyed so quickly, if at all. 

When the noise and bustle of anchoring were over, the 
rigging coiled neatly down in Flemish coil, and the 
vessel made ready for getting under way, a boat was 
lowered and manned by ten athletic men. The boatmen 
showed evidence of having arms stowed under their 
roundabouts, as they were constantly shifting their hid- 
den weapons for personal ease. The boat was evidently 
made ready for the captain, but she seemed in no haste 
to make use of it; rather she was waiting for some 
event to transpire. 

Occasionally the captain swept her glass across the 
bay, from Kow-Loon point northward ; but for a time 


126 


THE WEECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


nothing could be seen in that direction. After a while, 
Lawrence’s attention was attracted by some glittering 
object across the bay, which soon proved a dim shadowy 
vessel, whose tall lateen sails gleamed in the moonlight. 
This new-comer was also a fast-boat, and proved as 
rakish as the one at anchor. A blue rocket was now 
sent up from the anchored fast-boat, and was soon after 
answered in like manner by the approaching vessel. 
This looked as if the two craft were companions, which 
proved to be the case, as the female captain made no 
further delay, but sprang down into the boat alongside, 
followed by a sprightly sailor boy, who seated himself 
at the tiller, and acted as coxswain. With a strong, 
heavy stroke, to head the swift running tide, the armed 
boat pulled toward the Cliff Stair and disappeared among 
the sampans in the deep shadow of the precipice, and 
was seen no more. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


lady lucia’s betrothal. 

"TV /TORE than an hour had passed, and Lawrence and 
Lady Lucia had not yet been able to get rid of 
the intrusive people upon the balcony, which greatly 
distressed and annoyed the imperious maiden. The in- 
truders who chanced to saunter back into the drawing- 
room, on whatever pretense, happily were prevented 
from returning by the argus-eyed Admiral, who diligently 
stood guard within ; so that little by little the spying 
crowd had diminished. 

Among the few who yet remained, some had inno- 
cently approached the lovers with the friendly design of 
keeping them company ; but these were easily deterred 
from such kind intent by Lady Lucia’s ungracious silence 
and touch of hauteur , which induced them to withdraw 
from her presence. Others had at length rightly inter- 
preted the fond glances of the lovers, and with commend- 
able delicacy withdrew into the assembly, mortified at 
their prolonged rudeness. At length but one thought- 
less young officer remained upon the balcony. But one 
pair of spying eyes and a tattling tongue were unendur- 
able ; for sailors are such proverbial gossips that, in 
their yarn-spinning moods, they are sure to add a rope- 
yarn to the delicious tale at every telling. 

It was a cruel, a torturous dilemma. The fond girl 
127 


128 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


sat moodily gazing into the heavens, somber and sad, 
with feelings of dismay crowding upon her soul. At 
length, she improvised some of her sweet, sad sentiments 
into song. Singing ostensibly to the moon, whose 
seraphic face peered lovingly down into her upturned 
eyes, Lucia warbled a low, sweet lullaby, in tones just 
sufficient to reach her lover’s ears. As she sang, the 
words of her appealing bird-song were imperceptibly 
weighted with heart-throbs, for the girl was dismayed 
by well-grounded fears of losing her lover, — 

“The Moon lies entranced on the billow, 

She floods with her gold the blue sea; 

She rocks on the waves for a pillow, 

As heaveth my bosom for thee ! 

Chorus. — Fond loves ! the gold moon and blue sea, 

Examples for you, Love, and me. 

The Orb and the Ocean are a-wooing, 

The breeze and the blossoms caress ; 

’Tis time you and I were a-cooing, 

I know you’ve a joy to confess ! Chorus. 

Come, rest on the bosom that loves thee ! 

Thou knowest I deem thee divine; 

Thine eyes do not seem to reprove me, 

My lips shall make answer to thine! Chorus. 

Oh, sweet are the joys I have tasted! 

Sweet, dear, is the love you impart; 

Forgive me the hours I have wasted, 

I’ve learned, near the lips — lies the heart ! ” 

Chorus. 

The words of Lucia’s song seemed to end; but to 
Lawrence’s ear their musical echoes would sing on over 


ALONE, WITH THEIR DESTINY. 


129 


wind and waves forever. Before the dying cadence of 
the song had ceased to mount heavenward along the 
golden lute-strings of moonbeam — if the melody of such 
an ecstasy can die when once set a-wing — the conven- 
tional barriers that had separated the lovers were gone, 
and they were now linked as never before. 

How and when the exquisite transition took place, 
even they knew not. But when Lady Lucia’s rhapsody 
had subsided into the softest audible pianissimo, two 
eager hands were found clasped with visible caressings, 
prompted by divine emotions which articulate by touches 
and by tears. When the girl’s melodized message of 
love had floated away over the bay, the last of the tire- 
some intruders awoke to the vialaprojpos of his situation, 
and hastily retreated into the drawing-room. 

Lady Seymour at once gave utterance to her long pent 
emotions, “ Oh, Captain Lawrence ! we are left alone at 
last, for which I thank Heaven from my very soul.” 

“ Yes, dear Lady, it has been most annoying to be so 
hedged in and spied upon.” 

“ I pray God never to so test my infirmity of temper 
again. How, Captain, I must hold you to your promise.” 

“ I shall gladly serve your Ladyship, in any way you 
may suggest.” 

“ Since your arrival at Hong Kong, your deeds of dar- 
ing have been the chief topic of interest in all circles : 
and I, among others, could not keep your valor out of 
mind for an hour.” 

“Ah, Lady Seymour, there has been too much ado 
about that affair.” 

“ It’s very becoming of you to say so. But I do so 


130 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


love to listen to an account of heroic deeds when re- 
counted by the chief participant. As I have questioned 
the old Duke about Waterloo, during his visits at Moor- 
land Castle ; and the heroic Nelson about the battle of 
the Nile ; — so, dear Captain, as we leave for England to- 
morrow, a little friend of yours would like to take home 
to the queen a brief recital of your wonderful sea-fight, 
as recounted by yourself. My uncle insists that your 
battle stands unparalleled in the history of such com- 
bats.” 

“Dear Lady Lucia, accept my thanks for the oppor- 
tunity you proffer me. I will portray the fight with 
what skill I may. But I assure your Ladyship that my 
part in the bloody transaction has been greatly over- 
estimated; for had not Uncle Joe, my venerable third 
mate, beheaded the gigantic pirate king, none of us 
would be here to tell the tale.” 

“ First tell me, dear Captain, about your own exclusive 
part in the battle — that which lies nearest my heart — 
and please don’t delay the narrative to embellish the 
deeds of others, as is your custom, at the expense of 
your own heroic acts.” 

“Ah, my lady, in a fierce contention like that, where 
every man was a hero, my individual doings were but a 
small part of the whole.” 

“But, my modest friend, Admiral Seymour is much 
the best judge in such matters — being a professional 
man of war — and he has repeatedly said that you saved 
the day. And not only that, but that you fought your 
best fight while the ‘ death-swoon ’ was upon you, a time 
when most men only think of dying, — and cry out for 
help.” 


DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTLE. 


131 


“ Dear me, I feel abashed and debased by the noble 
Admiral’s too partial representation of my doings. 
Your good uncle alludes to the time when I was stricken 
down by the terrible sword-cut of the pirate chief, and 
lay half stunned with the mist of apparent death flitting 
before my eyes, and with just sufficient presence of 
mind to wish to deliver a few more blows before dying. 
The thought of my poor sailors fighting against such 
great odds, and being cut down about me, had the effect 
to arouse me from the swoon, until I rallied and 
delivered twelve successful shots from my revolver. 

“ After the battle, my old third mate — who is some- 
what partial to his captain — took the trouble to ascer- 
tain that each of my peculiar-shaped minie balls was 
lodged in the head or heart of a pirate. While shoot- 
ing, I lay weltering in my blood, half reclining against 
the cabin, too nearly blind to take proper aim, and I 
only thought to fire one or two shots before I expired. 
But I seemed to have fired rapidly, and with greater 
precision than could have been expected. 

“ I well remember to have seen my foes fall at each 
discharge, which had the effect to brush away the black 
mist from before my eyes. This circumstance enabled 
me to dimly see the uplifted cutlass of each advancing 
foe, and deliver yet another shot in defense of my brave 
men who persisted in rallying about their wounded 
captain.” 

“ Oh, you noble man ! Tell me, and tell me truly, — 
as you will relate it to your mother and sister at the 
home fireside, while they glory over your heroism with 
pride and affection, — tell me, was there no particle of 


132 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


fear and trembling in your great heart as you lay ebb- 
ing your life away during that terrible slashing and 
shooting ? ” 

“ Oh, no, my lady. I cannot conceive of such feelings 
intruding upon a brave man in times of action. Besides, 
do you not see that it would have made my aim 
unsteady ? At no time in my life do I remember to 
have felt the emotion of fear, as described by others; 
whether beneath the flashing flukes of a mighty whale, 
frenzied by fear or maddened by agony, or while under 
the swift descending cutlass of Ching Along. So, Lady 
Lucia, perhaps I am not deserving such lavish encomia, 
by doing what any other brave man would have done in 
my place.” 

Lawrence’s modest recital of valor crowned the climax 
of Lucia’s love, which had alread} r overwhelmed the 
bewitching girl. With glowing cheeks and tear-stream- 
ing eyes she held out her small patrician hands to her 
hero of the seas, her soul so burthened with affection 
that she could restrain herself no longer. 

Lawrence caught the little hands, — so graciously out- 
stretched to him in the moment of transport, — and 
pressed the dainty fingers in his own brown palms, 
while he unwittingly covered them with kisses. The 
first greeting of the kind he had dared perpetrate since 
their acquaintance. Instantly, and without the small 
measure of coquetry expected of a peasant lass — after 
a first-time kiss — the proud English nobless stooped 
and pressed her own. red lips again and again upon her 
lover’s brave brown hands. Then, with almost hysteri- 
cal sobbing, the high-born girl let fall her head upon the 


THE BETROTHAL. 


133 


shoulder of her lover, whom she had won in spite of his 
stubborn resistance. 

What wonder that the stars hushed their chimes, and 
the winds folded their unseen wings, amidst a silence 
whiter than the moonbeam ! Whilst all the elements of 
nature forgot their occupation for the moment, and hung 
listening to the whispered benedictions fluttering down 
from the ambient spirits of the air. If ever God’s hand 
is shown in the affairs of men, the. divine Presence pre- 
sided over this betrothal, and the kiss of angels dwelt 
upon the brow of the overjoyed maiden. 

From that re-assuring moment, Lawrence rose to the 
level of the occasion. He who had so naively asserted 
his non-acquaintance with cowardice now proffered one 
more proof of his daring, by folding the regal beauty in 
his strong arms, and breathing into her ear the exquisite 
minstrelsy of his love, so welcome and so dear. Eagerly 
Lady Lucia answered his caresses, while flooded by her 
own downpouring tears, interjecting every utterance 
with sobs of wild, exquisite joy. 

“Oh, my Lawrence ! My hero of the seas ! You will 
not misunderstand me ! You must not deem this out- 
burst of love but a wild effusion, born of the moment ! 
Oh, no, no. Believe me, my darling, I have wrapped 
my very soul about you, like the halo around yonder 
star. This is a pure, deep affection, worthy of even you. 
Noble as the time-hallowed House of Seymour can 
bestow, whose ancient estates I herewith lay at your 
feet, with my maiden love. 

“Tell me, dear Lawrence, again and again, that you 
truly love me. Repeat it in your own glowing words, 


134 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


till they become to me a bird-song, which I will treasure 
in my heart to the end of my being. Tell me that you 
are sure of your own great heart, and the enduring 
strength of your affection. That our coming separation 
of the morrow — if separate we must — shall not blot 
my image from your soul before we again meet to con- 
summate our affection in the bonds of wedlock.” 

And, with her dimpled hands upon his face, Lucia 
held the strong man at arm’s length with the forceful 
energy imparted by her love. Turning his noble linea- 
ments full t6 the moon, she read for herself his replies 
to her questionings in the soft gray eyes, — so eloquent 
and tender in love, so terrible and tempestuous in the 
smoke of battle. 

“0 Lucia! my darling girl, as I am not given to 
timidity in the day of battle, so I am not given to delu- 
sion in the hour of love. You must not doubt the 
strength and integrity of my affection for you. It was 
born in the moment when we met on the deck of yonder 
battle-ship, and I placed it among the stars for future 
worship ; never for an instant deeming that I could thus 
be lifted into love’s highest heaven, and be made kindred 
of the gods.” 

For a few minutes the half-dazed girl buried her 
flushed young face in her lover’s bosom, and once again 
felt his strong arms infold her, until heart answered 
back to heart like the beating wings of imprisoned birds. 
At length the happy girl raised her head, and let her 
tear-gemmed eyes dwell upon her lover, as she ex- 
claimed, — 

“ Tell me more, more ! Tell me everything ! For I 


LOVE MAKING. 


135 


am like one who has climbed to a mighty mountain-top, 
and is famishing for very air to breathe. 0 love ! your 
dear words fall like drops of incense into my deepest 
soul.” 

“Oh, my Lucia! how have I found courage to thus 
aspire to one so beautiful and so pure ? One who ranks 
me, by her birth and her breeding, high as yon star- 
gemmed heaven soars above the earth. It is you, my 
glorious creature, who must needs catechize your own 
heart, weighing well this act, and withdrawing your 
sweet condescension in time. For, darling, whether you 
are mine or become another’s, I shall love you my whole 
life long.” 

“ Ah, my Precious ! my new-found bliss ! no fear of 
me. My only deliberation for weeks past has been how 
I could obtain you. Brave and daring as we all know 
you to be — for you have grappled with perils which 
appall us to think of — there was a measure and quality 
of courage required in this case which you fail to possess, 
and which I have nightly prayed God to instill into your 
heart. 0 my darling Lawrence, you know not how your 
little Lucia has been agonized when contemplating the 
possibility of losing you. It was so terrible to think of 
going back to England with my own proud heart bur- 
thened with an unacknowledged, if not an unrequited, 
love.” And Lucia’s eyes beamed with impatience, as 
with questioning gaze she awaited her lover’s defense. 

“Dearest, God, the father and the friend, has been 
most watchful and gracious to us both, and we should 
strive never to forget his goodness in snatching us from 
such a blighting. Daily, through my whole life, will I 


136 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


thank him for this day’s remembrance — lifting me into 
the hallowed light of thy loving gaze, and bending your 
imperious heart down to the level of my love.” 

The growing tenderness of Lucia’s luminous eyes, and 
the increasing quivering of her lips, was all the response 
the dumb-lipped girl could bestow ; but it was enough. 
It was such a record of heart-throbs and sacred endear- 
ments as Lawrence had never perused before, — sweeter 
and dearer than all the honeyed words of tongue ; and 
this fast-linked twain now clung to each other, question- 
ing and answering with their eyes. 

Looking into his frank, outspoken face, a pure woman 
would discover nothing to dim the bright escutcheon of 
her purity. And Lucia could not but lose herself among 
such manly prepossessions, whether she would or no, 
for they were qualities to entice like magnets, and flatter 
like moonlight, and never would she rue the day when 
she trusted her heart to his keeping. 

How long they clung to each other without speaking ! 
And with what intensity they gazed, with eyes that 
tattled as meadow-brooks babble to the brook-side flow- 
ers. Ah, it is indeed high art in human love to acquire 
the full mastery of long silences, for subtle,- mysterious, 
and profound are their whisperings and disclosures. He 
who thus acquires the true focus of the heart’s electric 
rhythm, and is satisfied to wait to win, will not go long 
unloved. Lady Lucia was the first to break the silence, 
so tumultuous and sweet. 

“ 0 Lawrence, my king of men ! How happy you 
have made one little heart to-night ! Suffer me to cling 
tighter and tighter, that I may assure myself this joy is 


MUTUAL CONFESSIONS. 


13T 


real, for it seems so like a sweet enchanting dream which 
may not abide our keeping. It came so like a God-gift, 
descending upon me from out the rifted sky, that I am 
apprehensive lest it depart from me as it came. Dear 
love, listen how wildly our hearts are beating — joy- 
- filled near akin to pain. Tell me, what are they 
saying ? ” 

“ Ah, Lucia, they are a babbling pair, disclosing sweet 
> secrets never whispered to the world before. These 
x wild undulations are the great tidal waves of love, emo- 
$ tions made up of divine elements ; living upon what 
they receive, and bestowing life by what they impart, 
thus transmitting and receiving to the end.” 

“ Dear Lawrence, how near we came to parting, never 
to meet again. But for this one propitious hour, these 
billowy heart-throbs would have been our only reminder 
that we had met, loved, and parted to meet no more. 
Dearest, where was your vaunted courage that you could 
so risk our happiness ? Why should you so hesitate to 
scale the flimsy battlement of rank that hedged me 
in?” 

“ I know not, dear girl. But when I came to know 
you, your dazzling beauty and winsome ways inspired 
me with such reverence, and placed you so high above 
me and my sphere in life, that my courage daily dimin- 
ished, as the waning moon becomes timid and retiring 
at the greater brilliance of the sun. An hour since, my 
last love-hope went down into rayless darkness — like, a 
stormed-lashed ship that bottoms in the sea. You came 
to me in the evening so resplendent and sweet and grand 
that I dared not touch your garment’s hem. I stood awed 


138 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


and abashed at the brilliance of your presence, and at 
length fled from before you, as from the blinding efful- 
gence of an angel.” 

u Lawrence, Lawrence ! you humble and abase me, as 
by the presence of a god. Believe me, love, I never 
sought to win a human soul before. For you I culled 
my best array, and decked myself in splendor. I played 
my best on lute and harp and all ; sang as I ne’er could 
sing before, and witnessed your loving heart respond 
with gladness in your eyes. But, alas ! alas ! like the 
white sheen of a far-receding sail dipping down, down 
over the blue horizon’s rim, so one by one my hopes of 
your love went down, until I beheld the only man I ever 
loved repelled by my every blandishment. 0 Lawrence ! 
why was this so ? ” And Lucia fell on her lover’s breast, 
sobbing with undefined emotions. 

“ Listen, dear Lucia, and I will reflect my very soul, 
as in a mirror, to your view. I loved you from the 
moment of our meeting. Wounded and weak as I was 
when first we met, my proud heart grew audacious, and 
in the loneliness of my chamber I permitted it to sail 
boldly in consort with your own. But when I got about, 
and met you often, the gracious efforts you made to 
please me portrayed a being so exalted that my aspira- 
tions became wingless, until I quailed to follow -where 
you led. Despair beset me often ; but not until to-night 
did hope’s gay banners come sadly fluttering down from 
truck and peak, and but for your dear helping hand we 
never should have met again.” 

With her glad face turned to his, Lucia smiled in 
answer, and drew her lover’s cheek down to her own, 


A PROBLEM FOR SAGES. 


139 


that its hot flushes might make reply to his inmost soul. 
This proud scion of an almost royal house — to whom 
many a British peer had sued in vain — lay heart to 
heart with her sailor lover, both made too full for utter- 
ance by this double assurance of each other’s love. 

How long they clung thus to each other they knew 
not. The chiming of the small night hours on the neigh- 
boring tower broke the spell of their love dream —which 
comes never again with such charm. Only in the hour 
of his betrothal is Love revealed at his best, full-plumed 
and radiant with new-born glories — like the fresh per- 
fumes of first blossoms on the rarest flowers. 

The westing moon passed behind the foliage and left 
the lovers in darkness. Lawrence changed his position 
so that Lucia’s head could be removed from the shadow 
of the plane-tree. Lifting her face of classic beauty 
upon his arm, until it became flooded with moonbeams, 
he watched his own image reflected in the violet eyes of 
his darling. With loving response, Lucia gazed up into 
the manly face bending over her, and together they 
drank their fill, till every feature of their faces was de- 
lineated with precision — etched so keenly upon memory 
as never to be forgotten. 

Ah, what a delicious problem for the wise ones to 
ponder are the greetings of enamored eyes and the ver- 
mil lips of lovers. Who can cull their glowing thoughts 
from the molten emotions of such an hour ? Two inno- 
cents propounding sentimental questions beyond the mis- 
sion of mere words to answer ; whose ardent lips confirm 
or confute every flattering affirmation of the tongue, by 
the force and fondness of their kissing ; whose tell-tale 


140 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


eyes gladly enter the confessional, lifting the hymeneal 
veil from the inmost recesses of the heart, baring a 
maiden’s holiest shrines and disclosing her most sacred 
emotions — raptures not meet for the eye of man. 

At length Lawrence was aroused by the lateness of 
the hour. “ Ought we not to return to the drawing-room, 
my Lucia ? I rob the company of its bright presiding 
star.” 

“Nay, not yet, not yet! With the moon upon my 
face, you have perused my soul with its open pages lying 
before you like a printed record. Was it such a fulsome 
task that you would debar your little Lucia a like in- 
spection of the treasures which you bring ? ” 

“No, darling girl, nothing would please me better 
than to have you take an inventory of the inmost vellum 
of my soul. But you must remember, dearest, that the 
masculine parchment you seek to explore is crinkled and 
corrugated with the lava-floods inherent to a life of 
tussle and toil.” 

“ Come, bare your face to the moon, and let me see. 
I do not look to find the effeminate softness of a woman 
there. I would search for the rugged cliffs and crags of 
emotion. The noble landmarks of great thoughts that 
burn like molten iron, and the battle-scarred record of 
great deeds which fill the world with fame.” 

“ Dear one, what shall I do to please you ? ” 

“Come, sit you here, while I turn the face of my 
sailor-boy to the lighted windows of the sky. One 
moment let me search your manly heart, and ponder 
over the hoarded gifts you tender with your love. I 
would question whence comes this power to win a proud 


PARTING ENDEARMENTS. 


141 


maiden, while you were yet unknown. And learn the 
mystery which robs me of my heart, and absorbs my 
very being, as perfume blends with dew.” 

“ How is that, fair lady ? ” Lawrence asked, as he as- 
sumed the required position, and lay with smiling face 
beneath the welcome lunar beam. 

“ That will do. And now lie quiet, dearest Lawrence, 
tongueless as a mute. I will tell you of my precious 
rqother, sometime, she who was so beautiful and so good. I 
wish that her sainted face might now appear to you in 
some star-gemmed rift in the sky, as it often beams upon 
me. Oh, that she would lean forth from the corridors 
of heaven and breathe her blessing on your brow, and 
witness the transport of her child. * Dear mother ! come 
forth from among the angels, and bless the new-found 
lover whom I bring. Make us two one, in thy dear 
sight ; and supplicate the Father to imprint the seal of 
heaven on his brow.” 

With face beaming with joy, the entranced creature 
bent over her lover, studying his bronzed face as it lay 
smiling beneath her gaze. It was for no idle purpose 
that she sought to limn his handsome lineaments upon 
her mind, and imprint his loving expressions upon some 
virgin page of memory ; but with the solemn intent of 
one parting with a dead love at the grave-side, for the 
coming morning would sunder them for many months, 
perhaps forever. 

After brimming her soul with pleasant acquisitions 
of her lover, the young girl turned her face God-ward, 
and seemed in earnest prayer. Shaking the brown ring- 
lets from her cheeks, her lips parted with evident expec- 


142 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


tation of a spirit-kiss from the sainted mother. Law- 
rence forbore to intrude upon Lucia’s devotions until her 
spiritual communion was ended, as announced by a sigh 
of relief, when he broke upon her revery, — 

“ Lucia, my own dear girl, it is later than you think. 
We must return to the drawing-room before the guests 
come in search of us. Dearest, we are now linked for 
time and eternity. There are no more questions to ask, 
no answers to give, for it seems certain that we have 
loved each other in spirit for a thousand years ! ” 

“ 0 Lawrence ! let me put a fitting seal upon that 
happy sentiment.” When her lips had completed the 
task, Lawrence continued, — 

“ You can have no doubt of the trusting, truthful love 
I bear you ; nor can I question the pure, sweet affection 
of my darling. Soon as I can settle my commercial 
business in America, I will follow you to England, and 
seek you at Moorland Castle. Circumstances involving 
the interest of others may now sunder us for a while, 
but when we next meet nothing shall ever separate us 
again.” 

He dwelt upon the exquisite face lying upon his arm, 
awaiting reply. But the glib tongue of the prattling 
girl had lost its cunning. Lucia only smiled back a 
dumb answer, and permitted her warm lips to usurp 
their way, heedless of the visible impatience of her 
lover, who feared to be intruded upon by the swarm of 
spies from within. 

How had this pure and spiritual girl acquired the de- 
licious key-note of loving ? Mute with ecstasy, her lips 
lingered long upon her lover’s, as a bee delves among 


EXCHANGING RINGS. 


143 


flowers. Close-veiled by their long dark lashes, and the 
rose-leaf lids, Lucia hid her tell-tale lusters from Law- 
rence’s perusal, heedless of all else but the present joy 
of loving. 

At length they rose to go. Lucia took from her finger 
a rare and costly gem, and, measuring, found it would fit 
the smallest finger of her beloved. She exchanged with 
Lawrence for his only ornament of the kind, a blood- 
stone signet, bearing his initials on the seal, with his 
name engraved within. 

Lucia’s ring was a garnet, encircled with a brilliant 
aigrette of diamonds, denoting “ Innocence crowned with 
Fidelity.” Touching a spring, the garnet lifted from 
its setting, and disclosed a tiny likeness of what seemed 
Lucia herself, with the word “ Lucia” lettered with 
diamonds beneath. It was a picture of the Countess, 
her mother, taken at an age somewhat exceeding the 
daughter’s present years. Lawrence was delighted to 
possess such an exquisite resemblance of his darling, 
and expressed his gratification as lovers are wont 
to do. 

“ This ring, dear Lawrence, is the rarest gift I possess 
in the world. I bestow it upon you — though it contains 
the dearest of my dear ones — as my resemblance to this 
picture of my mother is said to be good. It is a better 
picture than any I possess of myself, so you ought to 
take some comfort with the gift. Mother has been my 
guardian angel since the hour she left us. May she 
extend her watchful care to my new-found love. With 
this gift I embark my two greatest treasures together, 
and may God restore you both to me in safety.” 


144 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“A thousand thanks, dear Lucia, for the precious 
memento. I shall prize it above all I possess.” 

This task accomplished, Lucia took Lawrence’s arm 
ready to return, the proudest and happiest of maidens. 
As they neared the entrance to the drawing-room, and 
were about to encounter the hundred curious eyes within, 
as by one delicious impulse, they slowed their steps, and 
whispered their farewell messages in one low chanson of 
love to each other. Touching their lips, —the latest 
and the last, — they sobered the fond expression on 
their faces into one of serenity, sufficient to meet the 
scrutiny of whosoever would question the sweetness of 
their dalliance ; as the wooing lily covets the attention of 
its beloved Horus throughout the day, but folds its 
petals at the approach of darkness, and shuts in its pure 
splendor from the countless eyes of night. 


CHAPTEK XIV. 


THE PATERNAL BLESSING. 



OXG ere the lovers appeared, many were the furtive, 


* impatient glances cast toward the balcony by the 
annoyed people who still lingered in the stifled air of 
the drawing-room. The Earl of St. Clare and Admiral 
Seymour were seen gravely walking together, purposely 
keeping aloof from the eager, anxious groups seen 
scattered about the assembly. The faces of many of the 
guests showed a fierce determination to outwait and 
outwit the tardy lovers by staying until the final 
denouement transpired. 

The two white-headed noblemen stood guard manfully 
to the last, politely turning back many an impertinent 
intruder bent upon solving the mystery of Cupid with- 
out. Among those most fretted by the novel affair were 
numerous naval officers who had come in from the 
balcony to renew their cigars, or report progress to 
friends within, intent upon returning to again spy upon 
the lovers. 

These pertinacious heroes were bluffly confronted by 
the Admiral, and ordered to “ Tack about, gentlemen ! 
Go in stays lively, and endeavor to make a port elsewhere 
for the present.” Coming from such a source, the order 
was mandatory, and required instant obedience. 

Not so when Governor Dinsmore undertook to solve 


145 


146 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


the problem, urged on by the imperious mandate of his 
wife. Officials of such ilk fell to the more facile 
diplomacy of the noble Earl. Advancing to meet his 
Excellency, St. Clare kindly took his arm, and while the 
pair walked back and forth indulging in a laugh about 
thoughtless young lovers, the Earl jocosely quoted some 
similar reminiscences of his own youth. A plan which 
sent Sir John blandly back to his fretful Angelina, to 
battle the watch as best he could. 

At length these aristocratic guards became impatient 
and annoyed at the awkwardness of the situation. It 
was long past the time for breaking up. But, as yet, 
not a person of importance would take the initiative 
step in going before their popular young hostess was 
present for leave-taking. This latter predicament was 
brought about by numerous dominant-minded females of 
the coterie, who reported having heard his Excellency 
casually remark to his amiable spouse, — 

“Well, my dear, I’ve had enough of this, waiting for 
two persons who have likely lost their heads, as well as 
their hearts. Let us go and pay our respects to the 
Earl, and be gone.” 

“No, no, Dinsmore, I will not stir a step. I wish to 
witness the effect a love affair has upon the lovely com- 
plexion of Lucia Seymour.” 

“Confound the girl’s complexion. It’s rude to keep 
the company dallying here on her account.” 

“Tut, tut! Why, Sir John, have you forgotten how 
you would have kept me up half the night in the arbor 
at Bavenwood, had I not been a modest girl, and denied 
you such favors ? ” 


A DOMESTIC SQUABBLE. 


147 


“ Modesty be hanged ! Why, my love, you would 
always stick like a tick, never willing to let me 
depart.” 

“ Fie, fie, sir ! Please be more circumspect in your 
disclosures, in such a gossiping gathering as this. Now, 
dear Johnny, can’t you wait patiently, and see the 
delicious effect of more pink distributed to the lips and 
cheeks of our dear little Lucia ? ” 

“Beg pardon, my lady, a gentleman can’t be expected 
to keep up an interest in such flummery all night.” 

“Oh, ho, Sir John, lies the wind there? Then, sir, 
you had better trot along home, and don your night-cap, 
puff away at your nasty old pipe, and sip at your mug of 
Burton ale — intellectual occupation for a great-minded 
man. How is it that you have forgotten your own 
extreme silliness, when you once came bantering around 
your ‘ dear Angelina,’ only a score and a half years since ? 
Trot along down to the boat, and depart for Kow-Loon, 
if you must. But I’ll stay here till morning, rather 
than miss the end on’t, sir, that’s what I will ! ” 

Only those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the 
happy pair, as they reluctantly approached th*e door, 
gleaned aught to gossip about. Those discovered with 
what intense fervor two plastic hearts had been blended 
during the past hour, and, having seen the solemnity and 
sadness of the parting, were in no riant mood to tattle 
about the matter. 

When the lovers entered the room, the Earl and the 
Admiral pressed eagerly forward to meet them. With- 
out a word or look of chiding at her long delay, the Earl 
of St. Clare took his blushing daughter upon his arm 


148 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


and led her silently away to the outlet door, near the 
broad stair; a sufficient hint to their yawning guests 
that the host and hostess were ready to receive the 
parting salutations of all. 

While the Earl was escorting his daughter to the 
opposite end of the room, Sir Michael hastily grappled 
to Captain Lawrence, arid pleasantly chided him for his 
rudeness to the assembled guests, saying, — 

“Why, sir, by the Lord Harry, I have nearly boiled 
over for an hour back. And a pretty mess I should have 
made of it, with all this surplus blubber, — as you 
whalers would call it, — and the tons of beer and wine 
that I’ve tucked into my bread-locker to-night.” 

“ What’s up, Admiral ? What’s happened to disturb 
you ? ” 

“What terrible catastrophe has detained you, sir? 
To think of its taking all this time to teach a lassie that 
you’re a better hand at kissing than her old uncle, whose 
experience in bussing is a hundred to your one, sir.” 

“Really, Admiral, I had hoped the company would 
have taken their leave long ago. Eor you must know 
that it’s not very pleasant to run such a gantlet of 
curious eyes, after a delicate affair like ours.” 

“Well, my lad, tell us all about it in a twinkling. 
Speak up, my blushing friend, did you misstay in tack- 
ing, that it took you so long to carry such a juvenile 
craft by the board ? Bless me, sir, every lad has been 
saying to his lassie, ‘It’s a tough job that the brave Cap- 
tain has undertaken, wooing that kittenish beauty.’ — 
‘She fights shy,’ says another, ‘and the Yankee can’t 
win a fair lady as easily as he can slash a pirate.’ Now 


DESCRIPTION OF THE WOOING. 


149 


tell us at once, you rogue, are you vanquished or victo- 
rious ? ” 

And the jolly old sailor stopped short in his walk, 
dropped the arm of his young friend, and eagerly looked 
the question he had asked, anxious and impatient as a 
mother over the luck of her first-born. 

“ She’s mine, my good Admiral ! I have fought the 
great fight, and won. And above all others must I thank 
you for the prize I have obtained. You have been kind 
as a parent to me, and I shall love you my whole life 
long.” 

“Bravo ! Then we are to keep you in the family in 
spite of all. Tell me, my boy, was it a combat at long 
shots, or a hard tussle yard-arm to yard-arm ? A close 
fight, where the splinters fly, and the top-hamper tumbles 
gloriously about your ears ? ” 

“Well, Admiral, perhaps you might term it a yard- 
arm affair. At least the battle was fought at close 
quarters.” 

“ Ah, yes, I understand. It was a case of boarding in 
the heat of action, where one loses his own identity, 
and can’t just tell whether he’s barque-rigged, or a 
Dutch galliot. But how does the lassie sail in cdnsort ? 
Does she fight shy, or answer to the helm gingerly ? ” 

“ Here comes Lady Lucia to speak for herself. The 
guests seem to have all departed, leaving us alone to 
ourselves.” 

The Earl came frankly forward, graciously taking 
Captain Lawrence by the hand, his countenance beaming 
with gratification, as he exclaimed, with a courtly 
smile, . — 


150 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

“ Most noble Captain ! this young lady — once my 
obedient daughter — has the assurance to tell me that 
she has given herself away, without waiting my permis- 
sion ; that you are betrothed, and she now demands my 
sanction at the point of the bayonet.” 

“ Yes, your Lordship. I can attest the truth of her 
information. Has she then acquitted herself so jm- 
seemly in your estimation, that we two impenitent ones 
cannot jointly prevail upon so gracious a parent to for- 
give what is irrevocably done ? ” 

“ I suppose that I shall be induced to give my consent 
in time.” 

“ May we not claim your parental blessing now, in the 
moment of our exceeding joy ? ” 

“Yes, you brave man; you have deserved it, and shall 
receive it.” 

While Lawrence was yet speaking to her father, the 
blushing Lucia stole to the side of her lover and put her 
hand in his ; and together they knelt before the white- 
haired old nobleman to receive his blessing. With a 
trembling hand upon the head of each, the gratified 
parent uttered tender and eloquent words for the wel- 
fare of his darling child and her well-chosen mate, 
amidst tears of joy from every eye in the little group. 

When Lawrence rose to his feet, the noble Earl 
clasped him in his arms, — man to man, and noble heart 
to heart, — earnestly declaring that he received him 
with all honor, and love, and pride. For this gracious 
acceptance, Lucia sprang forward and embraced her 
father, sobbing on his breast with unpent emotion. 
Then, running to her uncle, the overjoyed girl kissed 


REMUNERATING HER UNCLE. 


151 


him upon his weather-worn cheeks, exclaiming in the 
delight of her heart, — 

“You dear old Sailor-boy! You deserve to be 
smothered in roses and kisses, and all the good things 
of life, for keeping guard so beautifully. I’ll speak to 
the queen about it, and you shall be promoted to the 
Admiralty for such gallant service in the hour of need. 
You see if I don’t !” 

“Ha, ha! by Jove! it was the most vexatious duty 
that I ever performed. Why, lassie, I began to think 
my young friend had found more than his match, and 
I was wofully tempted to bear down upon the scene of 
action, and pouf in a broadside myself.” 

“But, dear uncle, which side should you have fired 
upon ? Not upon my frail craft, I hope.” 

“ Which side, ha ? Why, girl, the antagonist who 
resisted most should have received every shot from my 
lower tier of biggest guns. And, after all that long 
hour’s waiting, it’s evident that some one fought shy 
longer than the laws o’ love permit. So you, likely, 
escaped witnessing a dreadful slaughter.” 

“ O you cruel warrior, to thirst for the blood of the 
innocents in that manner. Now, uncle, if two more of 
my best kisses will settle the matter, I’ll diplomatize 
upon the spot, and we’ll have the treaty of amity ratified 
by the great powers, along with Governor Lin’s new 
treaty of commerce.” 

“Well, my pink o’ posies, it’s agreed. But mind, 
Lucia, I’ll receive all the loot falling to me right here, 
on the bluff of the bows, for my. old cheeks are so 
weather-bleached that I might otherwise be defrauded.” 


152 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

And the Admiral put out his lips to receive the precious 
guerdon he had so deservedly won. 

During this while, St. Clare and Lawrence were dis • 
cussing plans for the future. The old noble was ex- 
plaining that his daughter had a vast income in her own 
right, left by the Countess, so there must be no more 
thought of the sea. Lawrence was requested to hasten to 
England, and make his home with them at Moorland 
Castle. 

At this moment, while Lucia was bestowing her merry 
kisses upon her uncle, she chanced to look over his 
shoulder and discovered a masked face peering in at the 
balcony window, showing fiercely gleaming eyes that 
made her cry out in a smothered voice of fear. There 
was also a glitter of steel, as from a pistol barrel, that 
seemed to be pointed at some of the group as with 
evil intent. 

Gathering all this at a glance, with a low exclamation 
of alarm, the terrified girl disclosed what she saw to her 
uncle. The Admiral wheeled with what expedition a 
clumsy man is capable of, but the masked face was gone, 
disappearing instantly at Lucia’s outcry. 

Without waiting for further explanation, Sir Michael 
drew his rapier and hastened with an expeditious waddle 
to the balcony, accompanied by Lucia, and followed by 
the other two, seeking an explanation of the affair. The 
moon had dropped low into the west, and all lay in so 
deep shadow without that not a sign of anybody could 
be found. 

After a thorough search by the energetic old Admiral, 
who lunged his weapon into every cluster of shrubs, and 


THE MASKED FACE. 


153 


under the bottom of every lounging-chair, he concluded 
that Lady Lucia was deluded, and had not seen a thing. 
But the girl was equally sure that she had seen a masked 
face and a pistol barrel. This induced the Earl and the 
Captain to research every nook and corner of the gallery. 

At the end of their search, Lucia found none to credit 
her story. His Lordship deemed it impossible for a per- 
son. to escape from the balcony, it hung so sheer out over 
the sea. But, upon further inspection, a limb of the 
great plane tree was found to extend far out over the 
cliff-edge, reaching to within a few feet of the western 
aperture which overlooked the high-walled garden. 

Captain Lawrence suggested that a cool-headed person, 
capable of a springy leap, might possibly vault over the 
space separating the limb from the balcony. But the 
other gentlemen demurred at this, strenuously urging 
that while a sure-footed athlete might possibly accom- 
plish the feat by daylight, no one could be sufficiently 
foolhardy to attempt it in the dark, when to fall would 
be a headlong tumble two hundred and fifty feet into 
the sea. So the subject was dropped, the three gentle- 
men being in doubt of any one having been seen. 

The party passed into the library at the east end of 
the house, and, after further talk about future plans, 
Lawrence prepared to separate from his friends, as 
morning was fast approaching. A hearty farewell from 
the two noblemen, and a dozen swift, delicious kisses 
from Lady Lucia, given in defiance of the storm of 
raillery from the Admiral, who declared that he would 
lay a sealed embargo upon a pair of red lips that ran riot 
so indiscreetly. 


154 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ As if a dozen such stunning kisses as those, squan- 
dered upon one chap, was not a thing unheard of in 
nautical lore.” 

Leaving his new-found friends at the head of the 
broad stair, Lawrence found his way down to the street 
door, where the porter was* seen asleep in the vestibule. 
A single sentry was tramping back and forth on his weary 
guard just within the stone gate which gave outlet 
through the garden wall. 

On the street without stood the sedan waiting for the 
last lingering guest, the two stout coolies lying asleep 
between the shafts of their dainty vehicle. The chair 
belonged* to Mrs. Drinker, and had been kindly sent for 
the Captain’s use more than three hours before. 

Awakening the Chinamen, Lawrence seated himself in 
the sedan, and was soon speeding on his homeward way. 
The two stout carriers trotted off with their burden at a 
rate that would soon take the Captain to the hospitable 
Drinker house. Until he arrived there, Lawrence had 
nothing better to think of than the royal accession of 
fortune just added to his previous good luck. He natu- 
rally dropped into a pleasing revery about his charming 
Lucia and her bewitching affection for him. Brooding 
over the bewildering joys of the long evening, well 
might his mind become filled with wonder while con- 
templating the stupendous change which had revolution- 
ized all his future prospects in life. 


CHAPTER XV. 


THE TRAGIC INTERVIEW. 

(SCARCELY liad the Ambassador’s brilliant assem- 
^ blage dispersed to their respective abodes — the 
Governor and party seeking their homes at Kow-Loon, 
escorted to the landing by the Lascar sentinel at the 
gate, while the naval officers went down the cliff stair 
to their boats, — ere a low, peculiar whistle made the 
night air vibrant with its impulsive call. 

Before the echo of this silver call had ceased to throb 
on the startled ear, a richly dressed boy sprang out from 
a commodious porch opposite the embassy, and ran 
across the street to the Ladrone Palace, in answer to the 
signal. Though the youth was appareled in the guise of 
a young mandarin, his rich Chinese attire did not deter 
one from thinking that he looked more like a Spanish 
girl, judging by his effeminate face j while his extrava- 
gant length of pigtail was much too abundant and silky 
to be what it represented. Moreover, the disguise was 
made more apparent from the youth’s large pelvis and 
strong, tapering limbs, to say nothing of his unusual 
bust and diminutive hands. 

Such as he was, the sprightly messenger seemed to 
have been on the watch for the preconcerted signal, and 
came bounding toward the garden gate of the embassy 
at the first note of the whistle ; though other ears would 

155 


156 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


have found it difficult to determine whence came the 
reverberating sound, which diffused through the glim- 
mering night air like the whir of a swallow’s 
wings. 

Standing in the massive arch of the gateway, hidden 
from observing eyes by the deep gloom of the place, 
there appeared the dim outline of a woman, clothed in 
a dark toga, and wearing a Spanish sombrero jauntily 
decked with long drooping feathers. 

Handing a note to the messenger, as he approached 
on the run, the lady — for her proud bearing indicated 
no common personage — whispered a low spoken message 
to the youth, speaking in the rich Hidalgo tongue of 
old Spain. She then sought a hiding-place among the 
shrubbery near the entrance to the embassy ; while the 
nimble boy ran back across the street to his porch, evi- 
dently intending to wait some coming event before 
further procedure. The boy and his mistress had barely 
time to escape detection by the returning guard, who 
again took up his lonely tramp near the palace gate. 

Captain Lawrence soon after made his appearance, 
and, as we have previously seen, aroused his carriers, 
who were slumbering near their vehicle. Hot a moment 
elapsed after Lawrence entered his sedan, and the coolies 
disappeared down Queen Street, before the message-boy 
again appeared from the opposite porch. Having sa- 
luted the guard and given him the correct pass-word, the 
boy passed up the graveled walk and rang the bell at 
the palace door. When the summons was answered by 
a coolie servant, the boy delivered his note, requesting 
an immediate answer, for which he proposed to wait. 


LADY SEYMOUR’S PRAYER. 


157 


The youth was ushered into the vestibule, where he dis- 
appeared for the t&me.\ 

Soon after Lawrence left the house, Lady Lucia retired 
to her chamber, tearful and sad at separating from her 
betrothed. Bidding Irene remain in the anteroom until 
she was summoned, Lucia sought to hold brief commun- 
ion with herself, and indulge in her accustomed solace 
of prayer. 

Hastily divesting herself of the more cumbersome 
parts of her dress,, she robed herself in a loose negligee 
in which to pass the morning hours. Standing before 
her mirror, she loosed the bands and braids of her hair, 
and flung the cascade of soft brown tresses free and 
flowing about her slight figure, till the silken masses 
infolded her to the waist. After the gas was dimmed 
down, Lucia found that she was not quite alone, for the 
moon’s amber beams came spying in through a western 
window, high above the garden wall, hastening, unasked, 
to caress with her yellow finger-tips the girl’s white 
neck and satined feet with the ardor of a lover. 

When fairly attired and secure from intrusion, Lucia 
dropped upon her knees beside the couch, appearing in 
the shimmering night-beam like a rift of snow fresh- 
fallen from a cloud. Making a strong effort to subdue 
her agitation — for her soul was still enhungered and 
athirst for her lost lover — she bowed her head upon 
the snowy coverlid and thanked the Heavenly Father 
for his divine guidance of the day and the happy sequel 
of her love. 

After a restful, satisfying prayer, Lucia sank upon her 
downy couch for a quiet revery and brief repose ; most 


158 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


grateful for the auspicious events vouchsafed to her. 
Hardly had she composed herself for the night, and 
called up a convocation of sweet memories about her 
palpitant couch, till the dimly lighted chamber was 
filled with mystic embodiments of love, before she was 
disturbed by some one knocking for admission. 

Irene was heard at the door asking permission to 
enter, having something of importance for her mistress. 
When the maid entered the room, she delivered the note 
brought by the message-boy, whom she had endeavored 
to delay until morning, not wishing to disturb Lady 
Lucia ; who now called the girl to her, and asked, — 

“ What have you here, Irene, coming at such an un- 
timely hour ? ” 

“A note, my Lady, which calls for an immediate 
answer. It was brought by a nice little Chinese boy. 
Will your Ladyship look into it, or shall I bid the lad 
begone ? ” 

Annoyed by the occurrence, Lady Seymour contem- 
plated sending the courier away. Upon second thought, 
she feared lest the message might come from Lawrence. 
This induced her to hastily slip the ribbon of gold from 
the dainty billet, and, soon as a gas could be turned on, 
she eagerly perused the strange missive, found written 
in a neat, clear hand, and addressed as follows : 

“ Beautiful Lady, — Though your heart is now beating for 
your new-found love, and you are seeking the needed repose before 
sailing with the morning tide for your English home, alas! I have 
that to disclose which would wreck your future happiness not to 
know. Please dismiss your servants and admit me at once, for the 
sake of the dear one whom you love better than all else. 

Aloata Osmanti.” 


THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 


159 


Lucia was amazed and startled at the contents, as well 
as the imperative demand for an interview at such an 
hour. After a minute’s reflection, she questioned Irene, 
and, having learned that the Admiral and her father were 
still in the library, she bade the maid admit the strange 
lady for a brief interview, adding, — 

“ Now go and show in Lady Osmanti. And see that 
you keep within bell-call, and do not permit any one to 
disturb us until I ring.” 

“Yes, my Lady,” the sleepy girl replied, as she de- 
parted on her mission. Seeking the youth, Irene found 
him still waiting in the vestibule, and gave him the de- 
sired permission. 

Thanking the maid in a courtly manner, not much in 
keeping with the servile character he had assumed, the 
lad thrust his head out of the door, and blew a low bird- 
call on a silver whistle ; made to quiver with an artful 
tremolo by a cunning touch of the tongue. The call was 
instantly answered by what seemed the faintest possible 
echo, coming from no one could tell where. 

The startled guard ceased his stolid tramping, and 
watched to see the result of this mystery. As nothing 
occurred visible to his dull perception, the sentry again 
took up his monotonous duty. But the instant the sol- 
dier’s back was turned, the mysterious woman emerged 
from the adjoining shrubbery and entered the vestibule. 
She was muffled in a long circular toga, made of some 
rich, dark material, fashioned like a boat-cloak. Erom 
beneath a wide- rimmed Spanish hat there peered a young 
resolute face, with flashing black eyes, fine features, and 
altogether a tout ensemble of remarkable beauty. 


160 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


The lady was evidently of Spanish ancestry, descended 
from some grand old Hidalgo family. The instant she 
stepped into the hall and stood in the presence of Irene, 
she assumed an arrogant air, and flashed her imperious 
glances over everything within the scope of her vision. 
She spoke a word in Chinese to the boy, who replied in 
the same guttural tongue, and departed on some new 
mission. Turning to Irene with a lofty nod, she 
asked, — 

“ What word from Lady Seymour ? ” and she fixed 
the girl with a glance as if to warn her against any 
unacceptable message. 

“My Lady consents to receive Lady Osmanti for a 
brief interview.” 

Pleased to receive this long-delayed assent, a gracious 
smile beamed on the face of the stranger, and she dis- 
played her teeth of such brilliant whiteness that they 
were in fine contrast to the rose-tinge of her olive 
complexion. 

“Lead on, and I will follow,” she said, wafting the 
maid on up the broad stair with her be jeweled hand. 
As they approached the upper hall, Lady Osmanti took 
the hand of the awe-stricken maid, and slipped a newly 
minted doubloon into her palm, familiarly saying, — 

“ A more lovely mistress and prettier maid were never 
seen in Chung Kwoh,” which signifies Middle Kingdom 
among the Celestials. 

When the two came to the chamber, Irene tapped 
gently on the door, and, having received permission to 
enter, ushered in the mysterious stranger, glad to be rid 
of a person who inspired her with such superstitious 


THE STRANGE VISITOR. 


161 


fear. Lady Lucia was standing before her mirror, 
weaving her fingers through the unbound tangle of her 
tresses, endeavoring to free her face from the flying 
locks. When she turned to greet the dark-hued stranger, 
she was startled by what seemed a half-recognition of 
the distinguished face before her, as if the countenance 
was not wholly new to her. 

Lady Osmanti advanced, and proffered her shapely 
brown hand to Lucia, like one who greets her equal, 
saying in a deep contralto voice of winning sweet- 
ness, — 

“This is a privilege that Lady Seymour will not 
regret. Will the Senorita please order that we be left 
to ourselves ? ” glancing arrogantly back to Irene, who 
lingered just within the door. 

Lucia nodded to the maid to retire, repeating her pre- 
vious order that she should keep within bell-call, as she 
might wish to send to the Admiral or the Earl. Turn- 
ing to the visitor, Lady Seymour requested her to be 
seated, and pointed out the seat. Both ladies dropped 
into richly-cushioned lounging-chairs, facing each other. 

It was a meeting of two antipodal souls. Two women 
who exhibited the greatest extremes of shadow and sun- 
shine to be found in their sex, and no wonder that both 
ladies were captivated by the strange contrast of beauty 
seen in the other. 

The refined profile of the one, as seen shadowed 
against the chamber-wall, was purely Grecian, chaste 
and charming. The larger silhouette of the other con- 
fronting it was like an antique specimen of the glyptic 
art derived from the Alhambra, typical of the ancient 


162 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Spanish Moors who were so tender in love and unrelent- 
ing in hate. 

Aloata was a large, commanding, imperious woman, 
graceful and grand as a Century plant. A rose-tinted 
brunette with masses of black, wavy hair ; large, flash- 
ing black eyes, deep set, and mysterious as midnight. 
Her keen, searching glances pierced the soul of her com- 
panion as though she were confronted by an eerie. 

The Seymour and the Osmanti were alike by nature 
two proud imperious spirits, though one had been reared 
to conform gracefully to all the courtly requirements of 
her rank, and could rarely be stirred to display the 
volcanic fires within. While it was only by the exer- 
tion of a superhuman will-power — not always at com- 
mand — that the other could constrain herself, as now, 
to become gentle and playful as a leopardess in its 
native jungle. 

Whoso looked into Aloata’s deep, dark eyes — even 
now when at their gentlest — would be convinced that 
but a moment of passion would suffice to arouse all the 
unscrupulous elements of her nature. She was a woman 
formed to strangle a tiger or pet a kitten, which leads 
us to question which role she had set herself to accom- 
plish in this interview with Lady Lucia. 

Such as they were, there is but one dominant senti- 
ment in life which may induce these antiscian souls to 
become more kindred than we find them, — the emotion 
of a deep, absorbing love. Such an alchemist could not 
only subdue the most turbulent spirit, but might possi- 
bly awaken those gentle amenities of lovers, humility 
and self-sacrifice, inherent in every noble woman. 


A PREDICTION OF EVIL. 


163 


After seating herself near Lady Lucia, as requested, 
and indulging in a moment’s calm, scrutinous study of 
the fair face before her, Lady Osmanti opened the 
conversation, — 

“ Lady Seymour, you a, re even more graceful and 
beautiful than the gossiping people of Kow-Loon and 
Victoria have conceded. Too good, too charming to be 
sacrificed as the relentless fates have decided. You are 
courageous, and may perhaps redeem all ; but you must 
act promptly, and with resolution. You were born 
under the ringed influence of Saturn, as you know. A 
baleful star that has brought many of your great House 
of St. Clare to the block, and which gleams brighter 
to-night than the newly acquired hoop of gold that 
encircles your finger.” 

Roused to the utmost by such a startling announce- 
ment, delivered with the oracular look and tone of a 
sibyl, well might the brave English maiden catch her 
breath with wonder and dismay, questioning how this 
mysterious visitor came in possession of secrets known 
only to herself and her lover. Looking fixedly into the 
fathomless eyes of this prophetic being, Lady Lucia 
exclaimed in superstitious fear, — 

“Lady Osmanti, who and what are you, thus confut- 
ing the Fates, and revealing family secrets which only 
one other should possess ? ” 

“Lady, I am one gifted with supernatural power to 
read the past, intercept the present, and reveal the yet 
unborn future. One who can stay the ruthless hands 
of the Fates when they fail to temper justice with 
mercy. This should suffice for you, and, knowing this, 


164 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


you should be willing to trust me with your future 
guidance.” 

“Nay, madam, you speak with an arrogance that 
repels, and an irreverence which makes me recoil from 
you. God is our guide through life, even into the valley 
of death. He only can change the present, modify the 
hereafter, and mold the destinies of mankind. I 
acknowledge no power of the Fates. Woman, what 
would you ask of me ? Speak quickly, for this inter- 
view must terminate at once.” 

“ I came to warn you against the unbeaten track you 
have launched upon. You have just chosen the pre- 
cipitous path to misery. I bid you beware ! Turn from 
this dread peril ere it is too late.” 

“Woman, I conjure you, tell me what you mean. 
You curdle my blood by these vile insinuations.” 

“ Proud, deluded creature, destruction confronts you, 
as deadly as the wrath of a typhoon.” 

“ Speak more to the purpose, and that quickly ! ” 
And the half-frenzied girl seized upon Aloata’s arm with 
the fierce clutch of an eagle. “ Tell me, this instant ! 
Is not Charles Lawrence all that he seems ? Is he not 
good and pure and noble? Hay, is he not worthy of 
the noblest woman living ? ” 

“ Yes, my lady, he is all that you have conceived, and 
more. Listen, and I will show you the peril that I 
came to disclose.” She rose and stood in the low-seated 
window leading to the balcony, and pointed ominously 
to the sky. “Will you please wheel your chair to the 
window ? or, better still, step out upon the gallery with 
me, and behold the fell star of your nativity.” 


THE BALEFUL NATIVITIES. 


165 


And the arrogant woman stood there queenly and 
statuesque as a Juno, pointing like a fateful Sorceress 
to the star, her darkening countenance becoming venge- 
ful as the Nemesis when tempted to crush the world. 
Lady Seymour wheeled her chair to the broad open 
window as requested, and turned her face to the sky, 
now dimly seen by the lingering light of the setting moon. 

“ This position will do,” she said. “ I can see Saturn 
from where I sit. It seems about to blend its light 
with a more brilliant planet.” 

“Yes, Saturn and Jupiter are about to conjoin, even 
while we speak. The nativities of you two mortals — 
born in remote hemispheres — must not be permitted to 
blend before you revoke your troth-plight, else wreck 
and untold misery await you both. Choose between 
such a fate, and the pomp and glory of regal honors 
which await you in England, where one near the throne 
of the motherly Guelph seeks to make you his 
Princess.” 

Again Lady Seymour’s blue eyes grew brighter and 
bluer with astonishment, to learn that her private offer 
of marriage from the dissolute prince, while in India, 
was thus found in the keeping of this stranger. 

“Lady Osmanti, what can you know of that which 
awaits me ? What know you of him to whom I am 
plighted as irrevocably as the earth to its orbit ? You 
cold, imperious creature ! to stand there dictating me 
with the prophetic authority of a bearded seer. Are the 
occult plans of the Omnipotent open to your view ? 
Are you omniscient that you reveal this royal marriage 
awaiting my option ? ” 


166 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Lady Lucia sprang up and confronted Aloata, awed 
and angered; but with her interest aroused to the 
utmost by the majestic look and tone of the fascinating 
woman. 

“Yes, you proud Saxon beauty, I am all that and 
more; for I have the power to award life or death to 
you at this moment. Thus, beware ! Be compliant, if 
you wish the Osmanti to divert the direst of evils from 
you and yours, and confer a lasting happiness upon you ; 
as truly as the perfumed flower leads the hoiden bee to 
seek the rarest blossoms.” 

“ And what would you have me do to accomplish such 
happiness, thou demoness of evil ? ” 

“ Break from the flimsy thrall which links you to a 
love so much beneath you. And you must decide 
quickly, before yonder conjunction of the dread planets 
is completed. Make choice between a plebeian lover — 
though manly and handsome as an Adonis — and that 
grandest of all honors that earth can bestow, marital 
proximity to a throne.” 

“Woman, what proof have you of all these flattering 
predictions ? ” 

“ A knowledge transmitted to the seers of my ancestry 
through twenty centuries. The complete conjunction 
of two such baleful horoscopes as yours and his has 
never yet failed to bring about the ruin of both partici- 
pants. Yonder fell orbs will complete their conjugation 
in less than three minutes, which seals your doom, if 
you have not previously revoked your childish prefer- 
ence for a rustic lover.” 

Aloata caught one of the clinched hands of the 


DEFYING THE FATES. 


167 


roused maiden in her strong grasp, still pointing with a 
gesture of terrible significance to the meeting nativities. 
Lady Lucia did not quail for an instant before her 
fierce inquisitor, while she replied : — 

“ Hear me, you troth-breaking sorceress ! Grand and 
beautiful though you are, you are mad. You are cer- 
tainly crazed to thus tamper with my holy affection for 
another. Never could your scornful heart have been 
touched by love worthy of the name, else you would not 
approach a Seymour on such a futile errand. 

“ Listen, you benighted woman, and I will give you a 
text for loving such as never dawned upon your concep- 
tion. Go, group together all the honors of the world: 
crown them with the jeweled emblem of the proudest 
throne in Christendom, and Lucia Seymour would spurn 
them, and you with your gifts of fate. You need not be 
told that I have won me a most befitting love, capable 
of imparting more permanent joy to a woman’s heart 
than all else in life. Learn from this that a descendant 
of the great House of St. Clare may pine unwedded and 
unloved, but never will she revoke her plighted troth 
when given to a worthy man. Now go, go from me ; for 
your presence has become most distasteful.” And she 
suddenly withdrew her hand from Aloata’s grasp, and 
stood defiantly before her. 

“ Too late, too late, poor deluded girl ! ” exclaimed 
Aloata, in a tone of regret and anger, as she still pointed 
to the fast blending stars. “It chills my blood to 
behold the awful fate which awaits you now. There 
stands before my vision a dreadful shipwreck. The 
storm-lashed sea and the cruel breakers are thick strewn 


168 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


with the dead. I hear the crash of the mad waters about 
your shattered vessel, and the shrieks of your drowning 
companions assail my ear, as they reach up their hands 
in vain endeavor through the ingulfing waters. And I 
behold the man, upon whom you doat, given up to the 
murderous hands of assassins. This doom is recorded 
in the world above. So mote it be ! ” 

Aloata turned from the conjuncted planets to Lady 
Seymour with a look of terrible menace in her eyes. 
From that moment a demon of fiendishness seemed to 
possess her at Lucia’s stubborn resistance. Grasping 
the small white wrist of the maiden with an iron grip, 
she forcibly wrenched Lawrence’s ring from Lucia’s 
finger, and sprang out through the window with the 
trophy. Walking hastily to the garden end of the 
balcony, she whistled the same soft notes of recall 
which brought forth the boy an hour before. 

When Lucia realized that she had been robbed of her 
betrothal ring, she too sprang out of the window, ran 
after Aloata, seized upon her, and demanded the treasure. 
With the frenzy of a roused lion, Lady Osmanti caught 
up the slight-formed girl in her strong grasp, walked 
quickly to the balustrade of a central aperture with 
murderous intent to fling her helpless victim headlong 
into the sea. 

“Father in heaven! receive me into thy keeping,” 
murmured the brave girl, while thus held dangling out 
over the black abyss. She heard the sibilant voice of 
the tide swashing against the jutting rocks below; 
heard the clang of her own heart-beat against the palpi- 
tant darkness, as the strong grip of the maniac tightened 


CONFRONTING DEATH. 


169 


upon arm and waist with the sudden impulse to hurl 
her victim farther out into the sea. 

“Forswear your love for that man, instantly, or die ! ” 
came hissing through the shut teeth of the infuriated 
Spaniard, as she prepared to fling the shuddering girl 
from her grasp. 

“Never while God gives me breath will T forswear 
my love for Lawrence,” was Lucia’s brave response; 
uttered with a ring of scorn at tli£ thought of her yield- 
ing that which was more to her than life. The desper- 
ate daring of the reply must have touched Aloata’s 
admiration, for she could not loosen her grasp on the 
beautiful girl. 

“ Then live ! and await the long-lingering death from 
which I would have snatched you ; for you are indeed 
worthy of the man you love.” Having relented, the 
fierce woman strode across the gallery and tossed the 
speechless girl back through the window into her loung- 
ing-chair. This accomplished, she ran to the end of the 
balcony and sprang out through the aperture with the vault 
of a deer, leaping over the brink of the cliff in the direc- 
tion of the plane tree, apparently plunging to certain de- 
struction. 

Lucia recovered, and instantly followed the retreating 
Spaniard, like a bird on the wing, pleading piteously for 
her ring. When she saw Aloata leap out into the dark- 
ness, she involuntarily covered her face to shut out the 
suicidal death-leap of her tormentor. 

She heard Aloata fall crashing among the branches of 
the plane tree, and for a minute all was still, with the 
silence of death. Then followed a slipping, sliding 


170 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


sound, made by one descending the cliff-side by a rope. 
Lady Lucia leaned out of one of the northern openings 
and listened to hear the body strike in the water ; 
waiting a full minute and a half of painful apprehension. 
Then came the low stern voice of Aloata speaking to her 
men in the boat beneath, saying, — 

“ Draw in near to the cliff. All right. Let fall your 
oars ! Pull a lively stroke, and forereach on the tide, 
for a weather gauge.” 

The strong muffled strokes of the oars were heard as 
the retreating boat sped along the cliff, and then out 
toward the suspicious craft which the lovers had noticed 
during the evening. Lucia subsequently discovered a 
small red rocket streaming up among the morning stars. 
It burst with a beautiful message to some one, some- 
where, consisting of blue and yellow stars, which floated 
away toward the Ly-Moon with the fast ebbing tide. 

Who this strange personage could be that had, thus 
intruded upon her privacy, Lady Seymour could not 
imagine. After much thought she came to the belief 
that the woman was a beautiful maniac, become jealous 
of Captain Lawrence’s attention to her English rival. 
The brave girl little thought that she had been inter- 
viewed by the pirate Queen — maddened by the death of 
Ching Along — than whom none were more beautiful 
and winsome in her rational hours, or more desperate 
and dangerous to confront in her moments of passionate 
caprice. 

The click of capstan-pawls was presently heard out in 
the darkness, soon followed by the rattle of cordage and 
creaking of blocks, as the massive lateen sails were 


THE VANISHING FAST-BOAT. 


171 


hoisted aloft, hand over hand. When the anchor was 
weighed, there came the rhythmic strokes of an hundred 
long ashen sweeps, brought into use to assist the light 
morning breeze and quicken the speed of the vessel ; 
and soon the dense darkness before dawn became a blank 
void before the weeping girl. Then she turned her sad 
eyes to the natal stars, now drawn apart and newly em- 
barked along their separate orbits for another cycle of 
years ; unmindful of the murderous intent they had 
witnessed on the balcony, and heedless of the inevitable 
wreck and ruin which was made contingent upon their 
baleful conjunction. 

Mindful of her usual recourse in times of grief, the 
overwrought girl then fell upon her knees, bowed her 
head against the balustrade — where her young life 
came so near being forfeited — and prayed the heavenly 
Father for divine guidance, as had been her wont from 
her childhood. She rose from her devotions refreshed 
and re-assured, having partly divested herself of the 
belief that the loss of her betrothal ring could have a 
baleful influence over her affianced love. 

Passing into her chamber, Lady Seymour sought 
Irene, wishing to learn why she had failed to answer 
the bell-call, rung so vigorously when Aloata was escap- 
ing. The maid was found in the anteroom, fast asleep 
upon the lounge, holding fast in her hand the glittering 
doubloon which the Spanish lady had given her. 

The room seemed permeated with a dense, delicious 
perfume, which was afterwards found to have emanated 
from the gold coin. The doubloon had been split open 
on its edges, excavated, and filled with a powerful aro- 


172 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


matic potion, which exuded from many minute orifices 
punctured for the purpose. 

As it was then near morning, Lady Seymour thought 
best not to disturb either her father or the sleeping 
maid, and flung herself upon a divan, hoping to catch an 
hour’s rest before sailing. Daylight broke, and, as may 
well be conceived, the conflicting events of the night 
had not been conducive to sleep ; but as pleasant reflec- 
tions of her lover now began to displace the nightmare 
visions of the mysterious Spaniard, Lucia rose and occu- 
pied her time writing a last message to Lawrence. 


CHAPTER XVI. 


ATTACKED BY PIRATES. 


FEW minutes after Captain Lawrence left the 



Ladrone Palace, while he was pleasantly brooding 
over his rose-colored visions of Lady Lucia, the sedan 
was suddenly stopped by some obstruction in the vicinity 
of the cliff stair. An angry altercation occurred 
between some Spanish sailors and the coolie carriers, 
which called for the Captain’s interference. 

Thrusting his head out of the window to learn the 
cause of the row, Lawrence received a stunning blow on 
the head from a bludgeon, which knocked him back into 
the bottom of the secian. Though severely hurt, he did 
not quite lose his consciousness, for while lying in this 
dazed state he was fully aware that the carriers had been 
killed or disabled, and that the sedan had been seized by 
other strong fellows, who were dashing down the narrow 
stairway, seeking the landing with the utmost speed 
possible in the dark, steep passageway. 

Lawrence was not long concluding that the armed 
ruffians were about to murder him, or were, perhaps, 
taking him on board some piratical craft in the offing, to 
be held for ransom; a common method of extorting 
money at the Chinese ports in those days. But the 
wounded man inclined to the probability of murder, 
knowing that hundreds of pirates were watching to kill 


173 


174 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


him. In fact, the resident police had notified him that 
very day, with positive assurance, that Aloata, the 
pirate queen, had declared that she would “hang the 
Yankee Captain in quarters at the gates of the four 
cities ;’ 7 meaning Hong Kong, Canton, Wampoa, and 
Macao. 

Happily, Lawrence was well armed, having been fre- 
quently warned by the officers of the place to be always 
prepared for an assault. The belief that he was to be 
murdered had the effect to rally him quickly as a stimu- 
lant would have done. With a desperate effort he suc- 
ceeded in collecting his senses, and acquiring sufficient 
strength to act. 

Not having power to rise from the floor, he bolstered 
himself against the cushioned seat of the sedan, and, in 
spite of his half-stunned condition and the rough motion 
of the chair, lie reached his two hip-pockets and dragged 
forth his revolvers, though his strength was nearly 
exhausted by the effort. 

Resting quietly a minute, to recover breath, with 
laborious effort he got his pistols into the required posi- 
tion and let fly, front and back, with both weapons at 
once. Both carriers fell dead at the same instant, and 
the sedan went tumbling down the cliff stair, thumping 
heavily on each stone step as it fell ; though it was 
happily held upright by the long shafts until it reached 
the landing-place near the water-front. 

In its downward tumble, the sedan knocked over the 
crew of ruffians who were descending before it, and sent 
them headlong to the pier below. But, once upon their 
feet, the villains whipped out their cutlasses, and, with 


THE DESPERATE ATTACK. 


175 


an uproar of oaths, rushed upon the sedan, blindly lung- 
ing their weapons through the nearest window. 

Fortunately for Lawrence, the pirates were too hasty 
and inconsiderate in their thrusts, as the Captain was 
still lying upon the floor of the vehicle, instead of sitting 
on the seat as the assailants supposed. Expecting an 
attack, Lawrence was fully prepared for the onslaught, 
and let fly with both pistols into the midst of his foes, 
fast as he could fire, killing four of the villains and 
wounding others, who escaped. So astonished were the 
remainder of the crew at such havoc, accomplished by 
one whom they thought to be dead, that they fled to the 
boat, pushed off, and pulled quickly into the offing. If 
there was a rear guard, the scoundrels became alarmed, 
took to their heels, and ran back up the stairway, for 
nothing more transpired through the night. 

When the battle was over, Lawrence found himself 
faint and dizzy, and he soon swooned completely away. 
He lay for an hour in the folds of the soft cushions ere 
he rallied; the shock of thumping from stair to stair 
had proved too much for his wounded head. 

When at length he came to his senses, for a while his 
perceptions were aroused to the utmost by the peril of 
his situation, and, not realizing how long he had been 
unconscious, he lay watching and waiting during the 
next half hour, listening for stealthy footsteps on the 
stairs, coming from above or below. 

When rallied sufficiently to crawl out of the sedan, 
the Captain groped his way up between the damp walls 
of the dripping cliff. The moon had gone down, leaving 
the cliff stair black as a dungeon, so that Lawrence could 


176 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


but feel bis way from one stone step to another, climb- 
ing over the dead carriers whom he had shot, and having 
frequently to sit for a time on the wet stones to recover 
his strength. 

When he reached Queen Street, not a soul was to be 
seen, not even his coolie carriers, whom he supposed to 
be dead. Eesting after his toilsome ascent, he at length 
plodded on in the direction of the Drinker House, which 
he reached after a tiresome walk without further inter- 
ruption. Entering the house by his latch-key, he sought 
his own rooms for a while, and at length roused out Dr. 
Greville to examine his wounds and set the night watch, 
which had been neglected during the Captain’s absence. 

After hearing Lawrence’s story, Greville called out 
Tom to stand guard, and proceeded to clip away the hair 
about the wound so that he could dress it. The head 
was found badly bruised by some blunt weapon; and 
though the bone was indented, it was not fractured. 
The left eye was much swollen, and the conjunctiva 
bloodshot, so the doctor assumed that the brain was in- 
jured sufficiently to induce high fever, and probably 
erysipelas would supervene. 

Making a short story of the affair to the doctor, and 
rejecting his advice to retire, Lawrence put on his over- 
coat and went out to walk on the battlement, feeling too 
nervous to remain quiet anywhere. For a while Greville 
kept company, but when he had smoked out his Manila 
he returned to his room, leaving the Captain in the care 
of Long Tom. 

After pacing the rampart for a while, with no sound 
to people the darkness but the sonorous calls of the 


VISION OF THE MIST-MAIDEN. 


177 


sentry on board the men-of-war, and the occasional 
weighing anchor by some vessel bent upon an early start 
at the turning tide, Lawrence’s thoughts began to revert 
to the momentous events of the past night. Having 
become fairly tranquilized, he ceased his nervous stride 
on the granite walk, and leaned calmly against the 
northern port of the bastion, gazing off upon the swarm 
of sampans, and the larger vessels beyond. 

Suddenly a fancied outcry rang out upon the night air, 
like the wild appeal of a woman in distress. The ner- 
vous man sprang over to the western embrasure, and 
peered wildly through the gloom in the direction of the 
Ladrone Palace. The cry for help sounded — if there is 
tangible sound to a fancied mental distress — far down 
the western shore in the direction of the embassy. The 
voice was certainly that of the girl he loved. 

As nothiDg more occurred to attract his attention, the 
excited fellow concluded that it was but a freak of his 
disordered brain. Turning to the stars, those sooth- 
sayers of long-gone ages, that have tricked the people of 
all time, and men of every acquirement, the supersti- 
tious seaman was startled to behold the complete con- 
junction of the planets above him. Jupiter, the star of 
his own nativity ; and Saturn, the natal star of the girl 
he adored. 

While pondering, in wonder and awe, the solemn prob- 
lem of horoscopy, arguing whether it embodied a real 
meaning, or acquired a tangible influence over the lives 
of men ; Lawrence became aware that a cold, creeping 
influence was stealing over him, as ghostly and freezing 
as the hand of Death. Strange visions came and went 


178 


THE WEECK OF THE GEEYHOUND. 


before his dazed eyes, as fantastic and delusive as the 
phantasms of a desert mirage. 

While the excited sailor was still looking upon the 
conjoined stars, they were suddenly shut out from his 
view, as by an intervening mist. Yet Lawrence was 
certain that it was not a cloud that had hidden the 
planets, as elsewhere over all the dark canopy the stars 
twinkled clearly. As he continued to gaze, the ghostly 
mistiness began to take form, and soon shaped itself into 
the recumbent figure of a kneeling girl ; whose out- 
stretched hands were reaching toward the blended planets, 
now hidden by her mist-form. 

The bewildered captain soon began to realize that the 
mist-maiden was his own Lucia. Her fair face had be- 
come transfigured by some supernatural agency. Her 
disheveled hair fell loosely about her spirit-form, like 
the drooping wings of a white dove spent with flight. 
As he watched the etherealized girl with bated breath, 
awed by the sacredness of the scene, he saw that the 
suppliant hands were clasped in anguished appeal no 
more ; but were now folded lightly upon her tranquil 
bosom, as became one made grateful by a divine be- 
quest. 

Presently a skyward rift broke through the star- 
gemmed canopy, disclosing a soft unearthly light dif- 
fused from the far beyond — as if reflected from the 
throne of grace. There, enshrined as in a halo, appeared 
the sainted-face of the Countess, bending earthward from 
the jasper walls of heaven to bless her child; her coun- 
tenance as like to her daughter’s as is the rose to a 
kindred bud. Slowly the mist-maiden and the spirit- 


PONDERING OYER HIS VISION. 


179 


mother began to fade away, vanishing as the morning 
vapors on meadow and mere recede from the warmth of 
the rising sun. 

In that brief ecstatic moment, Charles Lawrence was 
induced to believe that he too had been brought under 
the guardian care of Lucia’s sainted mother. Else, why 
had the impenetrable earth-veil been lifted from his eyes 
of clay, permitting him to behold the ethereal soul-spirit 
of one of God’s anointed ? 

With a sigh of regret at his abrupt recall earthward — 
as one moans a new transgression which may bar him 
from heaven — Lawrence wondered why he had never 
acquired sufficient purity to have beheld such a vision 
before. After recounting most of the momentous events 
of his life, without becoming enlightened, he prepared 
to retire to his room for an hour’s repose. 

Suddenly, as he turned to go, his attention was called 
to the signal rockets sent up by two vessels far down 
the western shore. He remained out long enough to see 
the fast-boats make sail, weigh their anchors, and hasten 
to the westward with the rising breeze and the last run 
of the flood-tide. 

Little did he dream to what extent those nefarious 
craft were linked with the destinies of himself and the 
woman he loved. How it would have shocked his ten- 
der heart to have known that the Pirate Queen had con- 
fronted his beloved Lucia in her holy of holies, and had 
contrived a subtle, murderous method of testing her love 
for him, as woman’s affection was never tested before. 

The Captain retired to his room for a few hours’ sleep, 
for his wounded head began to trouble him severely. 


180 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

He left word with Tom to call him when the tide began 
to run ebb, or the Greyhound showed signs of getting 
under-way. Bruised and suffering as he was, he soon 
sank into an uneasy slumber, sleeping until the sunrise- 
gun aroused him. He then sprang up, took his spy-glass 
and went out to pace the rampart and watch for the 
Seymours. 

The same signal -gun awoke the Earl and the Admiral, 
and both dressed and made ready to embark. Lady 
Seymour had been up for an hour past. Having called 
Irene, and dressed suitably for shipboard, Lucia left 
the maid and tire-woman to pack her few remaining 
toilet articles, ready for the coming boat, and spent her 
last moments writing a farewell message to her lover. 

On their way to the boat, Lady Lucia and the maid 
led the party to the cliff stair, down which they ran 
with the mirth of children, so exhilarated by the fresh 
morning air. They soon came to the dead carriers, two 
rough, brutal-looking Spaniards, who had evidently been 
bent upon mischief. The girls were horrified at the dis- 
closure, and would proceed no farther until the gentle- 
men overtook them. 

When her father and uncle approached, Lady Lucia 
pointed to the dead men. The Earl called upon Chung 
Wah to thrust the bodies aside, so that the ladies could pass, 
when the party proceeded until they came to the sedan 
and the other dead pirates. Admiral Seymour explained 
that somebody had evidently been attacked during the 
night, while on the way down to his boat. 

He further stated that when the carriers were shot 


THE ADMIRAL’S EXPLANATION. 


181 


the sedan slid down to the landing, where a terrible 
hand-to-hand light had ensued with others of the villain- 
ous gang : and, judging from the numerous sword thrusts 
and bullet holes through the sides of the sedan, it had 
been a desperate encounter. While the four dead Span- 
iards and Chinamen found on the pier showed that the 
occupant of the chair must have won the battle, and prob- 
ably embarked in safety in his boat. 

Such affrays were so common in China ports in those 
days, that not much notice was taken of them, unless it 
chanced that some notable person was kidnapped or 
killed. Even then, the criminals were seldom caught 
and brought to justice. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


DEPARTURE OF THE SEYMOURS. 


APT AIN LAWRENCE was out on the rampart 



when his friends embarked at the cliff stair in the 
Admiral’s gig. The boat had been sent from the flag- 
ship to transport the Seymours to the Greyhound, the 
British vessel which was to take them home to England. 

The boat came swiftly along, buoyed by the young 
ebb, pulling with a short, springy stroke of the oars, well 
adapted to a swift running tide. Lady Lucia’s loving 
eyes were alert to catch a glimpse of her lover, and she 
soon discovered his stalwart figure mounted upon the 
parapet, ready to hail his approaching friends. Upon 
a hint from his niece, the kind-hearted Admiral ordered 
the coxswain to sheer in and hug the shore, going near 
enough to the Drinker jetty for the party to speak with 
Captain Lawrence. 

It needed but a slight detour in the boat’s course to 
take her inside the fleet of sampans, and to convey the 
party within easy hail of the sea-wall. As the gig 
swept up to the embrasure where Lawrence stood, her 
rapid way was checked, the oars flung up, and the whole 
group of Seymours exchanged a hearty greeting with 
the Captain. The old Earl ended his cordial salutation 
by saying, — 

“Remember your promise to us, Captain Lawrence, of 


182 


THE FINAL FAKEWELL. 


183 


an early visit to Moorland Castle.’’ And, with a look 
of affection and paternal pride cast down upon his 
daughter, he added, “I think you will find one of us 
there glad to greet you, come whenever you will. Accept 
my best wishes for a pleasant passage home.” 

The old nobleman lifted his hat with a courtly air and 
gracious bow to his prospective son-in-law ; while his 
blushing daughter chimed in like a glad echo to the 
father’s greeting, with a brief message full of meaning 
as a bird song, — 

“Yes, Captain Lawrence; please remember all your 
promises, and your new friends will certainly never 
forget theirs.” 

As the boat was slowly drifting away from the battle- 
ment, it was only by the utmost expedition that Lady 
Lucia succeeded in tossing up a dainty little package, 
which she flung over the parapet with a ripple of girlish 
laughter, ending by kissing her hand to her lover as 
she resumed her seat between the rime-headed old 
noblemen. 

The oars were let fall, the coxswain put his helm 
a-starboard, and the boat sped away with her precious 
freight, winding a devious course through the sampans 
and among the junks and foreign shipping, until she 
reached the Greyhound. Every stroke of the bending 
oars was bannered by a tiny pena kerchief in the hand 
of Lady Seymour. 

Once on board, Lady Lucia took her station at the 
taffrail, with glass in hand, prepared to watch her lover 
to the last. The old Admiral entered into her feelings 
with the sympathy of an elder brother. He ordered 


184 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


down the British ensign at the peak, and together the 
uncle and niece pinned on Lucia’s tear-stained kerchief 
to the after leech of the flag ; then the two jolly com- 
rades hoisted the colors to the gaff, bearing the weeping 
girl’s symbol of love. 

With his glass fixed steadily upon the stern of the 
Greyhound, Lawrence discovered what was being done. 
And when the colors with the new addition were hoisted 
at the peak, the lover waved his hat in recognition of 
the white guidon of his darling. 

The Greyhound had her anchor hove short and her 
sails all set a-taunto when the boat arrived, requiring 
but a few minutes to weigh anchor and head the ship 
down the Ly-Moon on her homeward way. With almost 
ceaseless watching, Lawrence kept his glass fixed upon 
the fair figure sitting at the stern of the departing ship. 
But a moment since he was looking down into those dear 
blue eyes, made bluer and more lustrous with an out- 
spoken love ; now his heart began to sink with a weight 
of anguish hard to endure. 

Nearer and nearer the vessel drew to North Head, 
which must soon shut out the loved one from his sight 
for many a long month. Lower and lower sank the 
white sails of the fast receding ship, until two loving 
hearts began to sadden with the sense of despair creeping 
over them like a flood of years. Alas ! the joy of exist- 
ence, which was so bright and buoyant a half-hour since, 
now grew dark and dismal as the grave. Boot by foot 
the jutting headland shut out the lovers from view, 
snatching them from each other while they were yet 
flinging their last kisses over the intervening sea. 


lady lucia’s last missive. 


185 


With a sigh which was near akin to a sob, and a brain 
reeling with excitement, Lawrence turned his swimming 
eyes to the dainty package which Lucia flung up as she 
passed. The half-dazed fellow was recalled to the parcel 
by its delicious perfume, — a special fragrance which 
spoke to his heart like a spirit whisper from his departed 
love. It was a rare Oriental odor that had long since 
characterized his Lucia by its presence, made known to 
other sense than seeing. 

After weighing with profound deliberation every in- 
flection of the superscription, Lawrence opened Lucia’s 
package with the utmost care. The first token of re- 
membrance which he brought forth was a shining brown 
tress, found entwined about the rosebud and vanda 
lowii vine which Lucia had worn the night before. 

Delving deeper into the precious package, he found a 
note bearing the mysterious insignia of two cooing 
doves, with bills entwined, which were stamped upon 
the seal. What wonder that his sailor heart made a 
bound, as if to break from its prison walls ; and a chill 
of awe stole over him as he seemed to feel the audible 
beating of another heart against his own, until his hair 
stood erect like the uplifted feathers of excited birds. 

Lady Lucia’s missive bore evidence of receiving her 
latest thoughts of her lover, ere she left the dear old 
palace home for the boat. With quivering lips and eyes 
filled with tears, Lawrence gloated over what he discov- 
ered therein, while he read as follows : — 

My dear Lawrence, — I could not sleep with so much on 
my mind. And, as all our preparations are made for sailing, I am 
devoting the last minute to you. My darling, promise me not to 


186 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


laugh at what I am going to disclose; I just wish to tell you that 
I am loving you more than ever this morning, and it now seems 
harder than ever to part with my noble sailor boy. 

O my precious one ! how can your little Lucia ever repay you 
for the great mantle of love which you have cast about her ? Do 
come to us quickly, after your arrival in America. Heaven keep 
you! my own dear Lawrence, my best of all God’s gifts to woman. 
Love me, dearest — love me — love me! and hasten on the wings 
of the wind to your 

Lucia. 

P. S. I hasten to reopen this, as I have forgotten to impart a 
very grave secret. I just wish to whisper in your ear that I have 
deposited lots of fresh kisses on the enclosed rosebud. 

There! silly girl that I am, I have blotted my writing with a 
great splash of tear-drops. But they are not tears of regret, dear- 
est; that is, I think they are not. O my beloved! whatever they 
are, they have blinded me so that I cannot see to write another 
word. Remember me nightly in your prayers. Good-by. — From 
your own loving 

Lucia. 

The contents of Lucia’s outspoken missive made 
Lawrence’s brain reel like a storm-lashed billow. Dis- 
may seized upon him, to think that he should permit 
himself to be separated from his betrothed. But it 
was now too late to revoke the error, and again his 
quick, nervous step rang upon the stony rampart like a 
throb of anguish. 

At this critical juncture Dr. Greville made his appear- 
ance, and announced that the waiters were coming 
around with the morning coffee and toast, usually 
served in bed, and urged the Captain to come in for a 
needed lunch, after his long night-watch. Lawrence 
declined to go in, and requested that the coolies be 


THE FEVER-STRICKEN CAPTAIN. 


18 T 


ordered to serve the lunch on the rampart, as he was 
feeling too uneasy to go to his room at present. 

This was done ; and while the two sat sipping their 
coffee, Braybrook, the mate of the Fleetwing, joined the 
party. He came early to report the well-doing of the 
ship, which was still in the dry-dock at Matherson’s 
shipyard, undergoing repairs. At the conclusion of the 
morning lunch, the doctor took occasion to inspect the 
Captain’s wound. Lifting the Panama, the physician 
removed the dressing, and exclaimed with astonishment 
at the state of the wound, — 

“Oh, sir, your wound looks angry and fretted. I’m 
afraid you are worried about something. If you keep 
on after this fashion, we’ll have you in a tip-top fever 
before night. You know well enough that there’s no 
healing a scalp-wound with a hot, harassed brain under 
it. Besides, you have not yet built up your normal 
nerve-force, since your last wounds healed.” 

“Truly, doctor, I am feeling feverish and dizzy, and 
have considerable brain pressure about the forehead. 
But you must tinker me up, for I have no time to be 
sick just now, with a China cargo to purchase for a 
home voyage.” 

“ I will administer a drop of aconite on the spot, to 
alleviate the fever. But if your mind keeps on laboring 
in this way I shall insist upon the bed; in fact, the 
sooner you turn in the better for all concerned.” 

The mate now joined the group, and the ship’s officers 
combined in requesting the Captain to tell them what 
all this meant; and Lawrence briefly related the inci- 
dents of the affray during the previous night. The 


188 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


mate was then requested to seek the Chief of Police at 
once, and ask to have an officer sent to take the deposi- 
tions, not only of the Captain, but also of the coolie 
carriers, if they were living; while Braybrook was to 
learn all he could about the six dead scoundrels at the 
cliff stair. 

Discussing the night assault had the effect to increase 
the fever. The head seemed bursting with pain, and 
ophthalmia supervened, until Lawrence became too 
blind to find the way to his room without help. 

At the nine o’clock breakfast, when a dozen ship- 
masters, together with the whole Drinker family, met 
at the morning meal, Dr. Greville reported the whole 
affair. This brought the matter close home to them all, 
to think that, with all Lawrence’s precautions, he came 
near being murdered in their midst. 

Captain Drinker at once sent for his carriers, who had 
the sedan in charge. The coolies appeared with their 
heads bound up, having received scalp wounds. They 
assumed guilty, sheepish looks ; for their sedan had 
disappeared when they recovered from their swoon, and 
they expected a severe reprimand for its loss, if not 
imprisonment for what had happened to Captain 
Lawrence. 

They reported that their path was obstructed by a 
dozen armed Spanish and Chinese sailors. When their 
passenger put out his head to learn the cause, he was 
struck down with a club ; then they were also knocked 
down and left insensible. When the coolies recovered, 
the sedan was gone. They made their way home as 
best they could, feeling indignant that Captain Law- 


the pirate’s confession. 189 

rence should get other carriers, and leave them lying in 
the street for dead. But in the morning, when they 
searched for the sedan in its usual place, they were 
alarmed to find it missing, and knew they would be 
blamed for not notifying the police on the previous 
night. They had since learned that the Captain had 
got home in some way, and would perhaps know about 
the lost sedan. 

Captain and Mrs. Drinker rose at once to go to 
Lawrence’s room, and requested the doctor to order 
their steward to prepare whatever he required for his 
patient’s breakfast. Some of the other captains re- 
quested leave to visit their brother master. This 
Greville forbade, stating how serious the patient’s con- 
dition was ; and further hinted that something was 
agitating the patient’s mind, which he requested Mrs. 
Drinker to inquire into, as they were on most friendly 
terms. 

When the Drinkers arrived at the sick-room, the 
police and notary public were there, taking the Captain’s 
deposition. Soon after the notarial seal was stamped on 
the written evidence, another police officer came to 
report that six other desperadoes were found shot, and 
either killed or mortally wounded. One of the pirates 
remained sufficiently conscious to make a dying con- 
fession. He stated they belonged to one of Ching 
Along’s vessels, and were sent to kidnap the Yankee 
Captain. 

He further confessed that there had been more than 
three hundred thirsty daggers watching for opportunity 
to kill the Captain, and that he would have been killed 


190 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


long before, had not their queen threatened to yard-arm 
the assassin who harmed him. For Aloata had sworn to 
kidnap or kill Captain Lawrence herself, and he had 
better be prepared to shoot her at sight, as she would 
accomplish her design in spite of all the fleets in the 
world. 

When the affair had been fully talked over, the doctor 
requested all strangers to leave the sick-room, leaving 
Mrs. Drinker to probe the patient’s mind in a quiet 
sisterly way. Through all Lawrence’s previous sickness 
the kind-hearted lady had been most attentive, and the 
lover now had no hesitation in baring his heart to her 
importunate sympathies. Mrs. Drinker soon learned 
that the fever attributed to his wound was largely 
owing to the Captain’s distress at parting with Lady 
Seymour. She could well sympathize with him on such 
a subject. The graceful American lady was delighted 
to learn that one of her own countrymen had won the 
beautiful English peeress, and asked permission to 
impart the pleasant news to Captain Drinker. The 
request was granted, though Lawrence was averse to 
having his engagement made public while he remained 
in port. This matter being settled, Mrs. Drinker left 
the wounded man to the effect of a soporific which the 
doctor had administered for his persistent insomnia. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


THE PREDICTED GALE. 


FTER a night of unquiet sleep, Captain Lawrence 



found it impossible to keep in bed a moment 
longer, and sometime during the morning watch he 
sprang up, dressed, put on his monkey jacket and went 
out upon the rampart, hoping to walk off the terrible 
uneasiness which pervaded his nervous system. 

Mr. Morey was on guard, and was glad to see the Cap- 
tain emerge from his quarters, as the night was damp 
and dismal, and the morning was breaking dull and op- 
pressive, there being a negative atmosphere hard to 
endure. For a while, the Captain was not found in a talk- 
ative mood, having left his bed for the sole purpose of 
getting rid of the fidgety feeling that had assailed 
him. 

As daylight broke over the bay, the smoky appearance 
of the night disappeared, disclosing a wild and angry 
look to the sky. It was of a cold, hard, steel-gray color, 
which predicted a storm. The few high-flying scuds 
then visible were torn to tatters, as by a war of the ele- 
ments in the high upper air. 

This windy aspect could not but make Lawrence feel 
anxious for the safety of the Greyhound ; for it was near 
the change of monsoons, and the gales at such times are 
the most terrific of their kind. For a week past the 


191 


192 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


weather-wise of the port had been daily predicting a 
typhoon, but as the old sea-dogs of the China Sea are 
always croaking about typhoons at the change of 
monsoons, new-comers are apt to ridicule the universal 
scare ; as the morbid fears of local seamen lead to a vast 
amount of overcaution. 

Captain Royal, of the Greyhound, had given due atten- 
tion to the repeated warnings of the Harbor Master 
and other meteorologists, and delayed his appointed time 
of sailing until a day after the moon changed ; arguing 
from fair logistics that the moon phases were the domi- 
nant elements of atmospheric disturbance. But the Cap- 
tain did not perhaps give due prominence to the subse- 
quent phases of the lunar perigee and increased declina- 
tion which followed a few days after the change. 

Though Lawrence became thoroughly aroused by the 
ugly appearance, he tried to comfort himself by recount- 
ing, per contra: that the Greyhound was one of the 
stoutest of the Indiamen, and was well manned and well 
mastered. He felt certain that all which good seaman- 
ship could accomplish for the safety of the ship and the 
comfort of her passengers would be done. 

When thus pacing the battlement with anxious strides, 
the Captain began to observe that the whole swarm of 
sampans and other small fry were scattering, like ducks 
from a gun-fire. It was not long before these defense- 
less craft were followed by the clumsy junks, and many 
of the smaller ships — those not well-found in ground- 
tackle — all of which were hurriedly lifting their anchors 
and hastening away to find shelter among the snug inlets 
of the opposite coast of Kow-Loon. 


UNCLE JOE’S PREDICTIONS. 


198 


In his present state of anxiety, Lawrence was glad to 
see Uncle Joe approaching, the most weather-wise of his 
officers. The crippled old man came hobbling along, 
and met the Captain with his usual cheery greeting, — 

“ Gude mawnin’, Cap’ll ! ” 

“ Good morning, Mr. Bailey.” 

“ Well, sah, dat ere gran’ ole ship, de Greyhound, am 
gorn skootin’ ’long fore de wind, like ar goney on der 
wing.” 

“I hope so, Uncle Joe; she went out finely. But 
what do you think about the weather ? It looks threat- 
ening, and I am getting anxious about it.” 

“ Yis, sah. De pesky wedder am what brought dish 
chile out so ’arly. Dese yere ole broken bones o’ mine 
bin gettin’ awful kinky fru de nite. Dat means wet 
wedder, sah.” 

“ But it’s the wind that I am thinking about. The rain 
will do no damage to my friends on the Greyhound.” 

“ Tru’ ’nuf, Cap’n. I specs dere will be plenty ob wind 
too. But what dis niggar_wanter spoke ’bout am ar 
dreffle wission ob squally wedder, wid ar shipwreck hove 
in. I’se bin hab seb’ral ’speriences ob dat kine, but dis 
yere shipwreck beats all dish chile kno’ ’bout.” 

“ But I want you to look about you and give me your 
opinion of the weather. I should be sorry to have the 
Greyhound caught in a typhoon.” 

“ Can’t jes teld, Cap’n, wheder de wet will cum fo’ de 
wind, but dar’s gwine ter be ar big shindy ob some kine. 
I duzen jes like de lukes ob dem yere mack’el-backs, up 
’loft dar. An’ den, dose yere pesky gulls am dreffle 
’tic’lar ter squall mo’n dey need ter. Dose birds am 


194 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


cute critters, sail ; seed um ilin’ dar fedders, jes as de 
sailor man ile his sou-wester befo’ ar gale.” 

“Yes, Uncle Joe, I have noticed all these things; and 
I feel sorry that Captain Koyal sailed in the face of the 
ugly moon-phases which now prevail.” 

“ Fs dreffle sorry, too, sah. Dat ship am jes totin’ 
out dat nice ole Earl, an’ his darter. Lubly Leddy, dat 
gal be, wid ’er soft blue eyes an’ ’er butiful smile. 
’Pears like one ob de Lawd’s spirit-gals, cum down frum 
heaben ter hubber roun’ my Cap’n. She ain’t none ob 
yer common-clay gals, like dese yere udder folks.” 

“I am glad you like her, Uncle Joe.” 

“Yis, sah. An’ what’s mo’ lubly, dat gal jes tuck 
Joe Bailey’s han’ inter her leedle pink an’ white flipper, 
an’ tank dis niggar fo’ killin’ ole Ching Along. Ah, 
Cap’n ! we uns mus’ ax de Lawd ter tek car’ ob dat gal. 
Eo’ sartin sure, it am gwine ter blow ar snorter.” 

“ Lady Seymour is so good and beautiful that I can’t 
but hope the Lord will make some special providence for 
her. Don’t forget her in your prayers, Uncle Joe, for I 
think God listens to your supplications as to few other 
men among us.” 

“ 0 Cap’n Lawrence ! I’d gin my life, enny day, ter 
sabe dat gal. But, sah, dis niggar am too po’ shucks fur 
de Lawd ter mine much ’bout “dis chile’s prayer. Why, 
sah, it tuck thirty years prayin’ befo’ Gord A’mighty 
let dis chile kill dat Ol g Moch a Dick ! I’s jes one po’ 
mis’ble brack man. Why, Cap’n, Missie Dinah Coon, 
my yaller gal, up ter Bedford, use ter sez dat dis~niggar 
yam nuffin’ but clam-dough an’ lamp-black. An’ my 
pertic’lar ’pinion yam dat de gal wuz rite.” 


THE FALLING BAROMETER. 


195 


“ Uncle Joe, you are as good in the sight of the Lord 
as the best of us. Oblige me by seeing how the barom- 
eter stands, and report at once.” 

“Yis, sah. I specs dat ole critter am gittin’ purty 
cranky fo’ dis time.” 

Lawrence paced the granite walk with increased anx- 
iety until Mr. Bailey returned, saying, — 

“De b’rom’ter am werry low, sah. She am gone down 
ter twenty-eight ; an’ I tink she am gwine ter tumble 
mo’ ’n dat, sah; fo’ de mercury am dreffle holler on de 
top on ’t.” 

“ Much too low for a ship to go to sea with lady pas- 
sengers on board. I wish Captain Royal had not sailed 
so hastily. Would that he might come back before the 
storm breaks. But, then, it requires greater courage to 
put back into port than to face the worst gale that ever 
blew. I suppose Royal will do as I should, were I in 
his place — keep right on, and face the gale.” 

“De wedder am gittin’ mo’ nasty, sah. De swash 
’long shore makes sight ob sobbin’ an’ sighin’, like ef de 
fun’ral ob sumbody wuz cumin’. I’s ’dined ter tink it 
am gwine ter be wet fo’ de wind cums, ’cause de gulls 
am doin’ lots ob ilin’ ’bout dar jackets. De sun am 
tryin’ ter pop out an’ luke arter tings, but he can’t 
do ’t. So he makes hisself dreffle busy makin’ sun-dogs. 
An’ dem yere doggies means wind, de wust sort.” 

“ Yes ; a gale will soon be upon us, and it will blow 
hard before it is over. The upward curl of the mare’s- 
tails betokens rain ; not so surely as if seen at night, but 
sure enough ; so the rain will likely precede the wind.” 

“It am ’bout ekal, Cap’n. Dere’s one which, an’ one 


196 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


todder. But my ole shin bones am ’dined ter de which 
fust. Arter de rains cums, den it am gwine ter blow 
like all possess.” 

So the two watchful seamen read and revealed the 
wild portents of the coming storm ; for the furious con- 
flict of antagonistic elements was glassed upon the atmos- 
pheric mirror hours before its birth. To those competent 
to interpret the upheaving throes of Nature in such an 
hour, it becomes a pleasure and a pastime to detect the 
parturient labors of a monster gale. 

It is a sight to terrify the boldest. Doubly fearful to 
those long inured to the sea, who have endured the sad 
havoc made by the mad winds and the angry waters, 
when their frail ships were crushed down upon the 
beam Vend, and there held by the fierce grip of the gale, 
to be battered and wrecked by the ghostly billows of 
the infuriated ocean. 

Some time after the morning lunch the mate made his 
appearance, and, being a weather-wise man, his opinion 
of the weather was solicited by the Captain. Braybrook 
agreed with most of the prognostics already elicited — 
that there were indications of a heavy gale. But, having 
no loved one upon the sea, he said, “ Let her blow ! the 
Fleetwing is cooped up in the dock as snug as a sitting 
hen. I have housed all her top-hamper above the cross- 
trees, and the worst gale that ever blew can’t harm 
her.” 

The storm signs continued to increase throughout the 
day. Being in a prolific region for cyclonic gales, every 
precaution was taken throughout the port to meet the 
wild fury of the wind, as great havoc is usually created 


THE DREADED TYPHOON. 


19T 


among ships not having sufficient ground-tackle to avoid 
dragging their anchors. 

It was believed by the old residents of the port that 
the Greyhound had probably held good winds long 
enough to carry her well to the south of Pratas Shoal, 
which would place her in position favorable to ride out 
the resistless vortex of the storm. If this proved to be 
the case, the vessel would work in to the southeast over 
toward Luzon, and might escape the worst of the gale, 
as the Manila side of the sea is considered a better posi- 
tion to meet a typhoon than down in the bight of 
Hainan. 

Early in the evening the gale set in with wind and 
rain, increasing rapidly through the night, and ended in 
one of the most devastating typhoons ever known in the 
China Sea. Some of the new-comers, vessels in ballast, 
loomed so high out of water that every anchor which 
they possessed was insufficient to prevent their dragging 
ashore. Three ships dashed end on against the cliff, 
and ground off their sterns till the transom timbers were 
laid bare, when they sank at their anchors and became 
a total loss. 

The historic balcony and the wide, overhanging roof 
of Ladrone Palace were torn off, and carried half across 
the bay ; and the former was never again replaced to its 
full size. So that the Seymour family were deemed 
most fortunate in escaping such a frightful disaster, for 
the Palace was drenched with the down-pouring rain 
until even the countless rodents in the cellar were 
drowned out by the deluge. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


LOVE AT THE DAGGER S POINT. 


HE first night of the storm proved a sleepless one 



for Captain Lawrence. A severe traumatic fever 
set in during the night, and before morning erysipelas 
fastened upon the scalp wound, until the head and face 
became frightfully swollen. The Captain remained sane 
until the gale was pronounced a typhoon, and then 
became delirious. 

When the wind began to shriek along the sea-wall, 
and rock the granite buildings to their foundations, then 
the sick man began to rave. And when the squalls came 
in gusts of wind and deluge of rain, dashing against the 
house with the shock of ocean waves, which threatened 
to tear every movable thing from its fastenings, then a 
wild, uncontrollable mania seized upon the patient’s mind, 
most distressing to behold. 

It now required the utmost vigilance of the officers to 
restrain the insane man from going to the rescue of the 
Greyhound. He moaned constantly about the error of 
sailing during such a gale, and at length became terrified 
by the delusion that the ship and all on board were lost. 
In his worst delirium he disclosed a most harrowing 
description of the storm, entering into the minutest 
details of a frightful shipwreck : portraying the storm- 
lashed vessel so vividly as to impress all with horror 
at the picture he drew. 


198 


THE GHOSTLY VOICE. 


199 


The febrile crisis at length came on during the 
seventh night of Lawrence’s sickness. The fever then 
steadily subsided, until the patient was wholly free 
from aberration of mind, and sank into quiet, restful 
slumber, the first for many days. Before retiring that 
night, Dr. Greville pronounced the Captain out of 
danger. Mr. Morey was left in charge of the first watch 
as nurse and guard until midnight, when he was to call 
out old Tom and the doctor to relieve him. 

The evening was warm and oppressive. The flood 
tide brought with it a sultry, enervating south wind, that 
compelled the night watch to throw open the door and 
windows of the sick-room. The officer was in and out 
of the chamber, carefully watching the patient, but 
spending most of his time on the battlement, pacing 
back and forth to the outer bastion, where he could over- 
look the water-front and get better air. 

At times the second mate allowed himself a moment’s 
rest by leaning against the parapet, and looking at the 
vessels, while he smoked his cheroot, as the physician 
had forbidden the watchers to smoke about the sick- 
room. While Morey was thus standing moodily in the 
western embrasure, looking out over the starlit bay, his 
ear caught the low persuasive voice of a woman, calling 
to him as from the heavens above. 

Casting his eyes quickly aloft, as when one scans the 
midnight sky in search of a coming squall, Morey 
sought in vain for the dulcet tones that had fallen so 
sweetly upon his ear. Seeing nothing ghostly in the 
skyward direction, he turned seaward to seek for the 
supernatural voice so strangely addressed to him. 


200 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Standing quietly in the eastern embrasure, he saw a 
young, fresh-faced woman confronting him, who seemed 
to the mystified seaman to have just dropped from 
heaven or emerged from the sea. The apparition 
seemed to be a lady, judging from her gentle voice and 
suave manner, together with the rich attire in which she 
was dressed. 

Doffing his tarpaulin to the preternatural creature, 
with the usual deference of his class, Morey advanced 
toward the statuesque figure with hesitating steps, and 
asked if he could be of any service to her. The prompt 
answer of the spectral creature ought to have disabused 
the officer’s mind as to her being of ghostly fabric, — 

“Yes, you can be of service. Go and place these 
flowers where the sick Captain can inhale their fresh 
perfume. Let him smell their rare fragrance at once 
while he sleeps. When he wakes, tell him that they 
came from a friend of Lady Seymour’s. Go quickly, ere 
the night air steals the health-giving odor from the 
blossoms.” 

“Who shall I say sent the flowers ?” 

“I will bear my own message as soon as Captain 
Lawrence is able to see me. Hasten, before the fresh- 
ness exudes from the blossoms.” 

The woman’s imperative gesture easily overawed the 
officer, and prevented further importunity. Morey 
obeyed her command with alacrity, but not without 
easting furtive glances behind to observe whither the 
specter winged her way, for the superstitious man was 
convinced that she was not human. 

“ Oh, I wasn’t fooled for a minute,” he is reported to 


THE SPECTRAL APPARITION. 


201 


have said. “ The light kites the critter had on weren’t 
enough to hide the wings she kept tucked away a-star- 
board and a-port.” 

When about to enter the chamber, Morey cast back a 
final look in the direction of the apparition ; .but he dis- 
covered only a dim shadowy outline where the woman 
had stood, — the mental semblance which she had 
impressed upon his retina. 

Could the compliant officer have witnessed the facial 
change of the woman after his departure, it would have 
served to disenchant his mind of the delusion. When 
Morey neared the sick-room, Aloata put off her assumed 
ghostliness and aroused to action, like an eagle pluming 
itself for flight. Stepping quickly into the northern 
embrasure, she signaled to an armed boat that was 
lying on her oars just beyond the stone jetty awaiting a 
call. 

While overlooking the stealthy approach of the cutter, 
which pulled in with muffled oars, Aloata’s handsome 
face grew dark and forbidding, lowering with evil por- 
tents, like a rising storm. Standing there with head 
erect and flashing eyes, every movement and aspect of 
the woman implied mischief to whoso came beneath her 
vengeful hand. 

She was the same Aloata who had invaded the 
Ladrone Palace at midnight, now bent upon another 
murderous deed, soon as her victim and his guard were 
lulled into unconsciousness by the toxic perfume of her 
flowers. Regardless of the danger, she had assumed the 
sacred mission to avenge her dead h usband, the , pirate 
king; and she stood there, a beautiful demoness of 


202 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


retribution, impatiently nursing her just hatred until 
her classic face became distorted with ferocity. 

Aloata was indeed a terrible embodiment of tragic 
beauty, innocent of all crime in the murderous retalia- 
tion she now sought to accomplish. High as the high- 
est heavens with attractive charms and fascinating 
graces — in her better moods — above the generality of 
her sex. Who shall judge of the weight of her wrongs, 
or the terrible incentive which beset her great heart in 
this hour ? 

The texture of woman’s thoughts and the caliber of 
her heart can be told somewhat by the color she wears, 
so that it becomes the gentle sex to fly their adornments - 
modestly, lest they display their inmost soul in its true 
nakedness to a close observer. 

Men are well said to be largely color-blind to-day, as 
both sexes are believed to have been afflicted a thousand 
years ago. Most active women now cultivate a taste 
for the iridescent hues, and have a foible for gaudy 
colors, according to the nature and tensity of their 
organization. 

Ornate dress and gorgeous adornments were a marked 
egoism of the pirate queen, as disclosed by the jeweled 
baldrick of scarlet seen beneath her silken toga, and the 
crimson plumes of the paradisea rubra which drooped 
from her Spanish hat. And well they expressed a fixed 
law of Aloata’s nature, for the fierce and fiery queen 
was ever consuming with an innate demand for action ; 
a passionate craving for perils that please, and dangers 
that dazzle but daunt not. 

When the armed boat softly bumped her elastic 


THE PIRATE QUEEN. 


203 


fenders against the escarpment, Aloata hailed the officer 
in a suppressed voice, making an imperious gesture for 
him to come ashore, — 

“ Alerte /” this being the “crew’s password for the 
night. 

“ Si, Senora Cap it ana ! ” came rumbling up to the em- 
brasure, in answer, from the grim old pirate in command 
of the ten armed ruffians. 

“ Toco a poco ! Senors” — “ Softly, sirs.” 

And the big-bearded villains abated their zeal, and 
climbed quietly into the bastion where the queen stood, 
without difficulty, as the tide was very high, the spring 
flood having yet two hours to run. When the crew were 
gathered about her, Aloata gave them minute instruc- 
tions, bidding them guard every outlet, disturb nothing, 
and harm no one. But, in case they were discovered 
and opposed, — here her handsome face darkened with 
the gloom of a sirocco, — then, — 

“ Guerra al cuchillo ! Senors ,” — “War to the knife, 
sirs ; ” which was uttered between her shut teeth with the 
sibilant hiss of a serpent. 

With patience and care, Morey applied the fragrant 
blossoms for the sick Captain to inhale, until the sleep- 
ing patient seemed to enjoy the narcotic perfume. A 
slow-dawning smile at length broke over Lawrence’s 
face, and the softly modulated name of “Lucia” stole 
into glad utterance from his parched lips. 

In the meantime the officer had also inhaled the aro- 
matic odor of the flowers until a soothing sense of obliv- 
ion also oppressed him, and an unconquerable languor 
made him drunk with sleep. Intent upon his duty, he 


204 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


sank upon his knees by the bedside, while still adminis- 
tering the potent charm hidden among the flowers ; until 
he fell, first upon the edge of the bed, then upon the 
Turkey rug at his feet. While the wounded Captain 
continued deepening his respiration until his breathings 
were stertorous. 

Not a minute passed after Morey fell upon the carpet 
in profound sopor, before Aloata stood with folded arms 
at the bedside. With stern, calm face she gazed with 
absorbing interest upon the manly features of the sleep- 
ing hero. Lawrence had become heated and flushed 
with recurrent fever, from inhaling the subtle soporific, 
and his lips were now parted with a winsome smile, like 
one reveling in a dream of new-found joys. 

Who can portray the profound emotions of a woman’s 
untamed heart when, coming with fierce intent to mur- 
der, she discovers that her victim is too lovable and 
manly to kill ? Slowly and steadily the fierce young 
queen lost the hideous expression of rage which had 
glowered so darkly on her brow. She now stood there 
studiously absorbed in the pleasing appearance of the 
wounded man, who lay so completely at the mercy of the 
assassin’s hand that she could safely delay the fatal 
blow. With cruel nonchalance, Aloata delayed the 
brutal deed, that a truly lovable woman might philoso- 
phize over her victim’s subtle power to win the esteem 
of the noblest of her sex. 

And what must have been the thoughts of the five 
armed pirates whose grim faces were seen peering in at 
the chamber door, — rare lovers of skillful murder, — 
standing with drawn cutlasses lying at rest in the hollow 



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LOVE AT THE DAGGEILS POINT. —Page 205. 





LOVE AT THE DAGGER’S POINT. 


205 


of their arms, their fiendish eyes glaring with wolfish 
eagerness to witness the deft hand of their queen com- 
plete her sworn task of assassination ? 

But, alas ! what an untoward change at length comes 
over the queen’s just relenting face when she remem- 
bers her oft recorded oath of retribution for the death 
of her king. To be thus caught showing a feminine 
weakness could but intensify her hate of this man. 
How terrible the human visage may become in such 
moments of rage! Gleams of brain-lightning flashed 
from Aloata’s fierce black eyes ; her thin, pale lips were 
compressed as she again endeavored to nerve herself for 
the hateful task ; lips whose cupid-curves seemed but a 
moment since to have been formed only for the dainty 
allurements of love. 

With a fierce, impetuous motion, Aloata now flung 
aside the pongee toga which lightly enveloped her per- 
son, and displayed a belt gleaming with weapons. Slowly 
and stealthily, the right hand groped deliberately down 
to the belt of murderous implements, until her jeweled 
fingers clutched with serpent coils about a dagger’s hilt, 
made brilliant with gems and ivory. 

The large grand form of the woman so swayed and 
quivered with passion that the drooping plumes tossed 
and trembled on her head. Little by little, unconsciously 
she unsheathed half the length of the dagger-blade. 
Bending sinuously over her victim as if intent upon an 
unerring blow, she paused with bated breath before she 
struck. With unaccountable deliberation she tarried, 
while the left hand, which had hung suspended by her 
side, now slowly clawed its way up into mid-air, above 


206 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


the bared throat of the smiling sleeper. She stood so 
immovable that but for the motion of her long taper 
fingers, hooked like an eagle’s talons, and clutching sav- 
agely for their prey, one might have deemed her but 
a marbled semblance of Bellona. 

But she slowly aroused herself from her unaccountable 
daze, and leaned lower over the sleeper, while she bran- 
dished her dagger till its bright blade flashed in the gas- 
light. Still she delayed to deliberately displace the 
shirt-front over the sleeper’s chest ; touching with deft 
finger-tips the left apex of the heart, where she meant 
to plant her unerring blow. 

Great God ! what an interposition of mercy is this ? 
The woman’s outstretched arm falls at her side. Her 
blood-seeking dagger sneaks back into its silver sheath, 
making a noisy clang with its metallic hilt. Aloata’s 
bosom heaves, and her breath comes hard, as with inward 
sobs ; tumultuous as the meeting of resistless tides. A 
soft light steals through the black shadows upon her 
face, like gleams of sunlight seen through a forest gloom. 
So suddenly had this bland radiance blended with the 
menace of murder that the eye cannot quite disentangle 
the dawning affection from the sullen hate. 

Slowly, and with unmistakable certitude, it had at 
length dawned upon the tender-hearted woman that she 
was about to murder her heart’s best love, her soul’s 
master ! She now looked upon Lawrence as her foe no 
longer. He had now become to her the one only man to 
whom woman gladly kneels in homage, ready to kiss the 
dear hand in loving servitude forever. It had taken 
time for this strange infatuation to dawn fully upon her; 


LOVE TO THE RESCUE. 


207 


to fully comprehend that the dove had indeed mastered 
the vulture in her bosom. But it came with resistless 
conviction at last, and henceforth Aloata would wear no 
other image but this man’s in her heart, — a rare intag- 
lio bestowed by the gods. 

Stooping with willowy fondness over the sleeper, 
Aloata dwelt long and lovingly in admiring revery upon 
his manly face ; her lips parted with tremulous emotion, 
and her eyes softened with utmost fondness for her new- 
found idol. 0 woman ! how swiftly the gentle mercies 
may dissuade you from fell hate when Love comes to the 
rescue. Ah ! how strange it seems that Cupid can thus 
dwell so near to a dagger’s point ! 

For nearly an hour the love-stricken queen bent over 
the bedside of her hero ; brooding with the tenderness 
of Diana when pondering over the sleeping Endymion, 
and standing silent and statuesque as if chiseled in mar- 
ble. For a time she remained unconscious to all else, 
until a viperous touch upon the shoulder from her 
brigandish officer aroused her to surrounding events. 

The pirate audience had expected to see their fiery 
Bellona exterminate this valiant Proteus of the sea at a 
blow. But the blood-curdling tragedy had dwindled to 
a simple farce — an insipid melodrama of love, as unac- 
countable to the brutal men about the door as were the 
spherical attractions of the steljar world. 

The queen turned upon the piratical intruder with an 
impatient look of inquiry ; and in response the officer 
contemptuously pointed to the sick man, while he sig- 
nificantly drew a finger across his bearded throat, as an 
intelligent hint of what was required. Then, gesticulat- 


208 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ing toward the sea, he made sign that it was midnight, 
by thrusting out three of his huge fingers and crossing 
one of them with his cutlass. 

Aloata stamped her foot with impatience. With a 
look of horror at the thought of harming the hero, she 
flashed her iridescent orbs upon the too willing murderer, 
and arrogantly waved the gigantic villain back to his 
post. He obeyed upon the instant, like an intrusive cur 
that had received a deserved lash. The gallant bravo 
came to save his mistress’s scruples, hoping to feast his 
eyes upon the heart-blood of a dying foe. But the un- 
observing pirate had mistaken the new-born Psyche for 
the woman-warrior he had brought to shore. 

Thrusting aside the stupefied officer lying on the floor, 
Aloata knelt by the bedside, and with a deft professional 
touch noted the patient’s pulse, listened to his respira- 
tion, bared his broad chest until she could inspect his 
heart-beat, then rose to go. Satisfied that a too hasty 
abduction would endanger his life, she reluctantly 
deferred Lawrence’s removal to Pulo Gular, her pirate 
isle, till he should convalesce. 

Turning to depart, she stopped, and turned back to 
hastily scrutinize the ring placed on Lawrence’s finger 
by Lady Lucia. Instead of withdrawing the beautiful 
gem, as she seemed prompted to do, she matched it by 
one as beautiful, drawn from her own linger. Then, 
murmuring an earnest prayer in Spanish for the patient’s 
recovery, she caught up her sombrero from the bed and 
strode hastily away. 

Passing the mystified seamen about the door, without 
condescending word or sign to any one, she walked 


THE RETREATING BOAT. 


209 


quickly to the embrasure where her boat was moored, 
into which she descended by means of a slender wall- 
ladder made of rattan and bamboo, and seated herself at 
the stern by the side of the boy coxswain, whom she 
addressed as Pulin. 

The crew followed in a noiseless, orderly manner. 
When all were in their places, the muffled oars were 
shipped, the boat was thrust out into the tide, and with 
the rustle of a cat’s paw she disappeared into the night 
gloom which shrouded the bay. 

When Dr. Greville heard the Queen-Street clock strike 
the lonely hour of one, he sprang up and dressed, won- 
dering why Mr. Morey had failed to call him as usual 
at the midnight hour. While dressing he flung open 
the door leading to the rampart, and saw that the night 
was serene and peaceful ; having no premonition that 
Death had just missed a shining mark in their midst, 
and that to have thus flung wide his door a few minutes 
since would have been at the risk of receiving a blud- 
geon, careless whether it maimed or killed. 

As Greville was passing around to Lawrence’s chamber, 
he heard a woman’s voice hailing a vessel with the 
watchword “ Alerte ! ” and concluded that a Spanish 
craft was lying just out in the offing. Entering the sick- 
chamber, his nostrils were greeted with an enchanting 
fragrance which pervaded everywhere, but he did not 
discover its source as the flowers had been removed. As 
the gas had been lowered, he stumbled over Morey’s 
prostrate form upon the floor. The officer was found so 
stupefied with sleep that he was left in peace till morn- 


210 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ing, the physician having no doubt but he had been 
drinking. 

The patient was found in a quiet, restful sleep ; his 
pulse being less sharp and intermittent than it had been, 
and the previous irritable condition of the nerves showed 
much less tension and jactitation. Lifting the patient’s 
eyelids to see what degree of frenzy remained, Greville 
was surprised to find that the pupils were dilated to their 
utmost, which implied some powerful re-action. But, as 
the fever had subsided and the patient was sleeping 
calmly, there seemed no indication of a brain lesion, and 
the doctor left the sick man to repose. 

Strolling out upon the battlement, and wheeling a 
lounging-chair into the bastion, Greville lighted a cigar, 
and prepared to pass the remaining night hours reflect- 
ing upon the several strange phases of Lawrence’s case. 
While puffing leisurely at his Manila, the doctor’s atten- 
tion was called to the muffled click of capstan pawls 
somewhere in the offing. By closer attention, he could 
distinguish the measured steps of seamen tramping 
about a capstan in the act of weighing anchor. When 
the cable was short, there came the fluttering of sails 
while the yards were being swayed aloft. Soon after 
three monstrous lateen sails could be dimly traced by 
their blotting out the stars in the northern sky. The 
breeze was barely enough to waft the vessel by the aid 
of the tide on her western course. How little the lis- 
tener knew that he and his patient had recently been in 
the power of those on board the retreating fast-boat. 

At the break of day the doctor called out old Tom to 
remove Mr. Morey to his chamber, as he still remained 


THE CONVALESCENT CAPTAIN. 


211 


in a limp, lethargic state : and so far no one suspected 
what had transpired during the night. 

When the morning sun shone into the chamber, 
Captain Lawrence opened his eyes with full conscious- 
ness and restored reason ; though he was somewhat mys- 
tified when the Chinese servants came round with coffee 
and toast, to be told that he had just recovered from a 
severe sickness, and must get the doctor’s consent before 
having the refreshments which he asked for. 

The new ring found nestled by the side of Lady 
Lucia’s puzzled him greatly, and remained a mystery 
that time alone could solve. And because it was a mys- 
tery, — sailor fashion, — superstition came welling up to 
the fore-front with the force of a tidal wave, and the 
weak, convalescing man feared to remove the precious 
jewel from his finger, where he believed that some 
friendly unknown had placed it. 

Lawrence convalesced rapidly. By the time the 
Fleetwing had completed her repairs and began to 
receive cargo, the Captain was up and about. He soon 
made arrangements to visit Canton and make his final 
selections of teas and silks, with which to complete his 
home freight. 


CHAPTER XX. 


BUYING CARGO AT CANTON. 


OREIGN traders going to purchase goods in the so- 



-L called factory districts of Canton are surprised to 
find that the rich silks and satins in such demand at 
home are woven upon primitive, ill-constructed hand- 
looms ; while the “ factories ” themselves are found 
confined to the lower stories of the tall, brick dwelling- 
houses, located in the narrow streets within the inner 
wall of the ancient city. 

The wholesale warehouses of these factory districts 
are found equally novel, being strong granite buildings 
inclosed within high walls, while never a window is 
permitted in the lower story except in the rear. The 
only street entrance is through a high, stone archway by 
a small mail-clad door. 

Within, the wareroom is- a large, square, high-studded 
apartment, dimly lighted by the second-story windows, 
making it as dismal as the prison of Chillon. The front 
wall of this impregnable trade-room shows the bare 
granite; while the two sides and back of the store 
appear to be a mass of cupboards, reaching to the 
height of ten feet, and are stained black, which greatly 
adds to the gloom of the place. 

Cargoes are usually selected by samples, where the 
/^my-merchant is known to be a man of integrity. 


212 


MYSTERY BEHIND THE LATTICE. 


213 


When the purchaser indicates what kind of goods he 
requires, a salesman seizes the handles of what seems a 
large drawer, and drags out what proves to be a long 
counter on wheels, which is run out half the length of 
the room. This counter is filled with drawers contain- 
ing the goods called for by the trader. 

After the purchase has been completed, by selecting 
the desired samples and making memoranda of the 
amount of such goods required, then that counter is run 
back in place, and another drawn out containing the 
second kind of goods asked for. So on to the end, 
until the full cargo is purchased by the sample goods 
shown the trader at the warehouse in the factory 
district. 

This mass of drawers and cupboards occupy half the 
height of the store. Above them, the upper half of the 
back end of the wareroom is partitioned off by a brown- 
stained lattice-work that reaches up to the ceiling. 
Beyond the lattice is another world, undreamed of by 
the foreign trader. An observing ear may often hear 
the voices of Chinese women and the laughter of merry 
children ; and a sharp eye may sometimes discover the 
flashing orbs of the secluded one§ peering stealthily 
down upon the barbarian who has not the ingenuity to 
construct such fabrics as he comes to purchase from the 
Celestial. 

He is a fortunate trader who so wins upon the confi- 
dence of a hong-shang Mandarin as to gain admission 
into his domestic circle behind the lattice; for all 
Celestials are jealous of their almond-eyed women as 
the bearded Sultan is of his harem. 


214 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


After Lawrence had nearly finished purchasing his 
cargo of the famous silk merchant, Yung Cho, a novel 
occurrence took place that greatly disturbed the vener- 
able old Mandarin. In the midst of the afternoon’s 
trading, a small door in the lattice was suddenly thrown 
open, making a needless noise as if to attract attention. 
The face of a woman appeared in the aperture, and 
smiling down upon the sordid traders with easy famili- 
arity, she called out in a pleasing voice to the merchant, 
speaking in pure English, — 

“ Good day, Yung Cho. Most noble gentleman, please 
don’t forget your promise to invite the gallant American 
to dine with the family. Ha, mon cher, remember your 
promise ! ” 

The flashing black eyes w r ere withdrawn, and the 
lattice closed as quickly as it had been opened, eliciting 
a brief, characteristic reply from the proprietor of the 
Hong. 

“ Mi see. Mi see. Mellican mane he no likee come 
‘ up-top side.’ Too muche makee buy cargo. No can 
do!” And the impatient man waved his hand vehe- 
mently, as if to impress his squeaking utterance in 
Pigeon English. 

Lawrence caught the hint at once, and eagerly sought 
to avail himself of the welcome invitation flung down so 
opportunely from above. “Yes, Yung Cho, you must 
certainly keep your promise to the ladies, if you are a 
man of honor.” 

“Mi see, Cap’in. Mi see some daye. Next v’y’ge, 
sposee you buy muche cargo of Yung Cho.” And the 
cunning old tradesman chuckled over the thought of 


215 


“ UP-TOP-SIDE.” 

thus securing an easy customer for a future cargo by 
the alluring bait which he dangled before him. 

“Not so, noble friend. I haven’t got through buying 
this cargo yet; and if you break your word with the 
ladies in this manner, I can’t trust you in future. I’ll 
go and trade with Se Ching. I think his Hong is not 
far away from here ? ” A Chinese merchant always has 
a rival in trade whom he hates with a good relish, and 
they spit at each other in imaginary combat like two 
fighting cats. 

“ Se Ching no can selle cargo likee Yung Cho. 
Sposee Mellican mane likee come up-top-side, muche 
goode. You makee buy goods, mi speake galee mi, you 
comee see chop sticks. Come, Cap’in, speake mi, buy 
more cargo.” 

Lawrence nodded, and again took out his memo- 
randum, highly gratified at his unexpected success. 
Though he continued bargaining for a few more samples 
of goods, his mind was elsewhere. The fresh young 
face that had sparkled down upon him had greatly 
stimulated his curiosity to know more of the mysterious 
domicile above. 

It spoiled his capacity for further trading, for the 
remarkable face seen haloed by the lattice door got con- 
tinuously mixed with the satin stripes on pena silks and 
other fabrics. 

It certainly was not a typical Chinese face that Law- 
rence had seen. Though her eyes were almond-shaped, 
yet they were not oblique. Her complexion was a rich 
rosy olive, and not the lusterless color of a true Celestial. 
After pondering upon the subject, he concluded that the 


216 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


person he saw was a clear-skinned Spanish brunette, 
such as he had sometimes met on the Spanish Main, and 
is oftener seen at Manila and other ports in Luzon. 

Finally, with undisguised impatience, Lawrence re- 
fused to do any more trading for the day ; and expressed 
himself as being too hungry to drive a bargain. Yung 
Cho at once ordered the counter rolled back and locked, 
himself taking the keys, and then led the way up-top- 
side, where the heart of his customer had long since 
preceded him. 

From the plain, brown-stained walls of the warehouse, 
where paint never was used, Lawrence was ushered into 
a large airy drawing-room, hung with richly figured satin 
damask, and furnished with a degree of luxuriance rarely 
seen out of the Orient. The reception-room was at the 
back of the house, where the windows looked down upon 
a large garden, walled in by a twenty-foot wall, and 
abounding with semi-tropical fruits and rare flowers. 
The vines and trees were peopled with singing birds, 
their melody blending with the splash of fountains, and 
made more grateful by the ever-varying fragrance of the 
springtime blossoms. 

Lawrence exclaimed in delight at the quaint beauty 
of the shrubs and plants, which were trained to grow in 
the form of birds, beasts, and many familiar things. 
This pleased Yung Cho, and he led his guest through 
one of the low-silled windows out upon the balcony; 
and then begged to be excused while he prepared for 
dinner. At the same time directing his guest where to 
find facilities for washing, adjusting his hair and beard, 
together with various enticing divans and lounging 


YUNG CHO’S OPULENT HOME. 


217 


chairs in which to repose after his toilsome day’s trad- 
ing. 

Lawrence underwent a hasty ablution, and with his 
pocket comb “ fixed things ” for the state dinner with 
the celerity only acquired by a cosmopolitan. His brief 
toilet left him leisure to look around, and great was his 
surprise at the opulent display about him. This seemed 
all the more striking when contrasted with the severe 
primitiveness of the wareroom, where the money-making 
phraseology of the avaricious merchant betokened a life- 
long tussle with poverty. He would often exclaim when 
driving a bargain, — 

“ Ah ! no can do. Mellican mane, he too muche money. 
Poore mane, mi. Come, Cap’in, you makee buy, then mi 
givee too muche cumsha. Poor mane, Yung Cho ! ” 
Yet after some of the closest bargains, the cumsha — a 
gift to close the trade — would often surprise the pur- 
chaser by its liberality. 

Above stairs the regal furnishings of the house were 
so lavish as to exceed the limits of comfort or utility, 
and well might confound the frugal American when 
associating the sumptuous host of “ up-top-side ” with 
the penurious old trader of the silk shop. 

At length Yung Cho appeared, and he had undergone 
as complete a metamorphose as his apartments. Pdack 
silk trousers, as before ; but a blue satin biju, worked 
with gold thread and spangled with jewels, had displaced 
the untidy work-dress. His sallow face was shaved, 
touched with rouge, and his “ pigtail ” nicely re-braided, 
and lengthened with fresh colored silk. 

The shopman, t with his plain black overwear and 


218 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Pigeon English, was discarded ; and the opulent Man- 
darin now conversed in good English about the interests 
of Nations, and the fluctuations of trans-Indian trade. 
Yung Cho deplored the steady encroachment of the Rus- 
sian hordes — “ miserable barbarians ” — upon the China 
tea districts south of the Amoor. Per contra, he assumed 
it to be a dispensation from Confucius that the Golden 
Gate was made available to the poverty-stricken coolies 
of his over-populous Chung-Land. 


CHAPTER XXI. 


THE PIRATE QUEEN. 

n IHE family did not make their appearance until din- 
ner was announced. They then met the guest in 
the reception-room and were presented one by one. 
There were several purely Chinese ladies present ; but 
the first to be presented was the queenly Spanish 
Senorita who had so charmed the Captain by the fresh 
brilliance of her beauty. Lady Osmanti was a large, fine- 
looking girl, a trifle imperious in manner, and who did 
not appear to have passed more than a score of pleasant 
summers. 

Lawrence was invited to escort the grand Senorita. 
When all were paired off, they proceeded to the dining- 
room and seated themselves around a sumptuous board. 
Knives and forks were provided for the guest and his 
companion, while the other participants did graceful 
execution among the savory viands with the national 
chopsticks. 

At first the Captain was all eyes and ears to observe 
everything going on about him. But he soon lost his 
identity in a growing interest in his lady friend, who 
soon proved herself remarkable for something more than 
her beauty. In spite of himself, Lawrence grew charmed 
with her grace and ease and elegance of manner, her 
sparkling wit and fluent conversation upon a great 

219 


220 


THE "WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


variety of subjects. Though he was a man profoundly 
schooled in everything pertaining to the sea, even this 
versatile sailor soon found himself not only amused but 
instructed by the rare intelligence of this young Spanish 
prodigy. 

Lady Osmanti was well traveled along every coast-line 
of the Orient, and had visited all the great cities of 
China, Japan, and India. Oceanic currents were as dis- 
tinctly traced in the mind of this pedantic maiden as 
are meadow brooks to the milkmaids of other lands. 
The disputed source, direction, devious meanderings, 
and endings of the great Kuro Siwo — or black stream — 
was better known to this superb lady than to any other 
person Lawrence had met. She instructed him as to the 
cause of its emerald color, and tabulated its temperature 
at different seasons, from its source in the Indian Ocean 
to beyond the Aleutian Islands. 

Though Lawrence was gifted as a chart-maker and 
writer on maritime matters, and took great interest in 
nautical affairs, yet here was a young woman scarcely 
out of her teens who could instruct him where he should 
have been most proficient. The more he tested and 
probed her pleasantly proffered knowledge of unfre- 
quented isles of the sea, the more amazed and mystified 
he became ; especially about the currents and coral reefs 
in the Banda and Sooloo seas, and about the then little 
known land of New Guinea, and its skull-gathering 
people. 

Yung Cho’s wife was a home-loving, motherly woman, 
looking after the comfort of every one about her. Her 
three grown-up daughters were among the most fashion- 


aloata’s skill at chess. 


221 


able ladies of this great South-city of China. Two of 
them having the smallest possible feet that mortal could 
get about on; and charming finger nails from one to six 
inches in length. 

The third and youngest girl had early imbibed radical 
notions. When the great Don Osmanti brought his 
young daughter from Manila on one of his trading expe- 
ditions with Yung Cho, little Arsi Yung Cho became 
greatly attached to the pretty Spanish maiden, and was 
permitted to let her feet grow, and to go back to Manila 
with the Osmantis, and attended school with her young 
friend at the fashionable convent of Luzon for nearly 
two years. A lifelong friendship sprang up between 
the families, as the result of this affection between the 
daughters. 

After dinner the company were gathered in the draw- 
ing-room. There Arsi regaled the party with her deft 
handling of the guitar, while her two sisters busied 
themselves with their embroidery. Lady Osmanti soon 
after challenged Lawrence to a test of skill at chess. 
This he gladly accepted, as it was his favorite game on 
shipboard. 

With the courtesy due a lady antagonist, Lawrence 
attempted to play his first game carelessly, and purposely 
sacrifice it to the sex of his opponent. But the impe- 
rious beauty would not permit a lax move to be made, 
and with flashing eyes requested her companion to with- 
draw the first move of his knight’s pawn, in which he 
had unmasked his give-away intention. 

With a merry peal of girlish laughter, she bade him 
look to his laurels, as she had played with the best 


222 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


experts throughout India. The result was that Lady 
Osmanti won the first three games. She moved with 
great rapidity, a method which Lawrence was unused to, 
and in attempting to copy his opponent he lost the 
games. Not until he applied himself with close atten- 
tion, and moved with great deliberation, did he succeed 
in winning the two following games. 

Thus a lively interest was aroused among the young 
people, until the whole company gathered about the 
chess-board to watch which should win, — the aristocratic 
gold men, or the plebeian silver ones. Even the old 
mandarin now entered into the matter so thoroughly 
that he promised the much-prized chessmen to the win- 
ner, the best out of ten games. As Lawrence could 
stay to play but six games, the match could not then be 
decided. But, as the Captain had another day’s trading 
to do, he gladly accepted an invitation to a further trial 
of skill with his accomplished opponent, so the renewal 
of the contest was assigned for the third day following. 

Before leaving, Lawrence requested permission to ask 
one of the other captains to accompany him ; to which 
Lady Osmanti objected at once. Adding that Yung Cho 
was very sensitive about foreigners entering his family 
circle, and nothing but her impertinent insistence, and the 
Captain’s own shrewd appeal to the money-bags, had 
overcome his prejudice. But now that it was once 
accomplished, if no public talk was made of it, the 
favored guest would find it possible to invite himself 
whenever he chose, for the old merchant had expressed 
himself pleased with his new customer. 

The curiosity of the young ladies had been greatly 


LADY OSMANTl’S PRAYER. 


223 


aroused to see the hero of the great pirate fights, and 
they had daily watched him through the lattice chinks, 
importuning their father to invite him to dinner until 
the old merchant got out of patience with them ; and 
none but herself had the courage to wage the battle to 
a successful conclusion. 

When parting, Lady Osmanti begged the Captain, in 
her most gracious and bewitching manner, to forget that 
he had made a request which it was not possible to com- 
ply with. And, in turn, she craved a favor of him, 
which implied a flattering interest in his welfare. 

“ Senor Capitaine, promise your new-found friend that 
you will not expose yourself in the by-ways of Canton 
for a single instant. For those horrid pirates are as 
cunning as foxes, and revengeful as tigers, and would 
willingly risk their own lives to destroy yours. May 
the holy saints protect you, and bring you safely back 
to us, is the prayer of the Osmanti.” 

Yung Cho proposed to safely return his guest and 
valued customer to his hotel in the English limits of the 
city, and had ordered his double sedan which required 
four stout carriers. The sedan awaited him in the gar- 
den. Lawrence was placed on the front seat, as the 
merchant needed to sit where he could direct the car- 
riers. The narrow streets not being designed for vehi- 
cles were often wholly occupied by pedestrians, among 
whom it would be difficult to pass but for their obse- 
quious respect for a mandarin or a merchant. 

When the carriers had settled into a dog trot on their 
way to the river precinct, and the ear had become used 
to their boisterous outcry to the populace, to break 


224 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ranks and make way for the great mandarin merchant, 
Lawrence found opportunity to look about him. Con- 
venient to the dexter hand of both occupants were seen 
the polished handles of two pistols for each, holstered 
in the satin side-cushions of the sedan. While over- 
head, the scabbards of two double-edged short swords 
were crossed, presenting their hilts convenient for ready 
use by the occupants. The attention of the honored 
guest was drawn to the possible utility of the weapons, 
in a most piquant manner. 

“ Makee looke, Cap’in ! Sposee one pirate mane likee 
kille you. He no can do ! ” 

To exemplify his meaning, Yung Cho flashed out a 
two-edged sword and slashed it through first one window, 
then the other, at the imminent risk of stabbing some 
of the surging crowd. But the servile coolies only con- 
sidered it an apt hint that the great man required more 
breathing room, and they dipped and ducked good- 
humoredly to avoid the murderous thrusts of this 
superior mortal. 

They were not long passing out of the factory district 
of the ancient ' part of the city, which is defined by a 
dilapidated brick wall forty feet high, guarded by two 
cannons, mounted above the arched gateway, and trained 
to sweep the main thoroughfare. When near their des- 
tination, the sedan was suddenly obstructed and brought 
to a stop amidst a deal of uproar. Following Yung 
Cho’s example, Lawrence drew a sword and waited an 
explanation. 

The event proved harmless. One of the numerous 
stagings rigged across the street from house to house, 


lawkence’s second visit. 


225 


six stories above, had fallen, precipitating the wood- 
chopper and the wood belonging to the opposite families. 
The man was killed ; but what seemed the greater afflic- 
tion to all concerned, the wood-piles of the two families 
were irretrievably mixed. Material for wood-choppers 
was over plenty. But a year’s wood that had been toted 
up six stories, when tumbled to the ground was a more 
serious matter. 

The small matter of a dead man and a wood-pile could 
not be permitted to delay the sedan of an official. Hence 
a few lusty shouts of the four armed carriers, and the 
persuasive appearance of the mandarin’s sword brandished 
from the window, easily cleared a way through the 
crowd, and the Captain was soon left safe at the door of 
his hotel. 

The two following days were busy ones for Lawrence, 
shipping goods and settling up minor accounts. Mer- 
chandise is checked by the buyer at Canton, as it is 
sent aboard the lighters, and is afterwards checked by 
the merchant’s clerk at Hong Kong, where it is settled 
for, after being fairly delivered to the ship. 

On the third day, Lawrence sought Yung Cho at his 
shipping office by the river. He found the old merchant 
superintending the novel business of weighing great 
heaps of bullion in platform scales; as one of his old- 
time customers was paying in Mexican dollars, instead 
of bills of exchange, and the silver was rated at seven 
and a half per cent premium. 

During their half-hour’s ride to the factory district, 
Lawrence endeavored to glean something about the 
Spanish lady, but did not elicit much more than he 


226 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


already knew. Yung Cho repeated the story of the 
school days at the convent. He had not seen much of 
her since then, as she traveled a great deal with her 
father, a great merchant at Manila, who was at one time 
held prisoner by the admiral of the pirate fleet. Don 
Osmanti was at length liberated, upon some terms not 
made quite clear to Lawrence. 

When they arrived at the warehouse they entered by 
the side door, and proceeded at once to fill out the 
additional invoice of goods already agreed upon. It 
was notable that Yung Cho now dropped all his pre- 
vious trade slang and sharp bargaining with Lawrence 
in private. Though his guest had witnessed plenty of 
the old trader’s Jew-like whining talk, about hard times 
and poor man, in dealing with others. It was a relic of 
his long-gone youth, which he put on with his cheap, 
faded old sarong, when going to business ; as he replaced 
the bright-colored terminal of his pigtail by the faded 
silk that had seen service for a decade. 

The old merchant seemed never to forget that Law- 
rence had broken bread at his festive board, and had 
entered into his holy of holies, where sham and decep- 
tion never came. The keen-eyed trader had also noticed 
that his customer was discreet, and had not bruited 
his exploit abroad among his companions. For this 
Yung Cho was ready to take him to his heart, and will- 
ing to trade without haggling for a greater price than 
he expected to get, which is the severest test of friend- 
ship that either a Jew or a Chinaman can be put to. 

Arsi and Lady Osmanti were too impatient to wait 
the guest’s appearance above, and came to greet him 


THE MANDARIN’S DINNER. 


227 


from the lattice wicket with an accompaniment of 
bright eyes and glad smiles that expressed a flattering 
degree of pleasure at his coming. 

When the trading was finished, the merchant cordially 
invited his guest to ascend to the dwelling and prepare 
for dinner. The family did not make their appearance 
until the gong announced the repast. Arsi and Lady 
Osmanti came in first, their pliant, willowy forms 
twined lovingly together with girlish exuberance of 
affection. Both girls expressed great delight at again 
meeting the guest. 

They were prettily attired in low-neck dresses suit- 
able for the warm spring day, displaying fair necks and 
bare arms. The headdresses of the Chinese women 
were something formidable and elaborate, while Lady 
Osmanti’s toilet conformed to the English style at Hong 
Kong, and was much more becoming. Though her dress 
was plainly constructed, it was made of the richest 
fabric woven in India, with but few jewels or other 
ornaments, showing her fine form to the best advan- 
tage. 

Lawrence took out Arsi to dinner, though the friends 
adroitly contrived to sandwich him between them. 
Thus he had another opportunity to enjoy the brilliant 
conversation of one, while he extended all due courtesy 
to the other. Though Arsi was a fluent talker in 
Spanish and French, she was a poor adept at what she 
termed the hideous jargon of English. 

After dinner a walk was proposed in the garden, 
where were found every conceivable dwarfed shrub and 
tree grown in the mandarin gardens up the river above 


228 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Canton. Some of the fruit trees around the high walls 
were suffered to grow to full size, and bore delicious 
fruit. The conversation turned upon the virtues of the 
many medicinal plants found growing at the far end of 
the garden. Lawrence was a fairly competent physician ; 
but he was surprised at the deeper researches of both of 
his girlish companions, as botanic medicine was a part 
of their education at the convent of Luzon. 

“Senor Capitaine, tell us girls how you would cure 
that most difficult of all toothaches, that which cold 
water alleviates but never cures / 7 

“That, Lady Osmanti, is a fit job for dental instru- 
ments . 77 

“ Oh, horrors ! Spare us such a cruel infliction. What 
I describe is a purely nervous toothache brought on by 
a cold . 77 

“ Granted, but it is too severe to endure long, and no 
remedy reaches it . 77 

“ Fie, fie ! I must instruct you better than that. 
One drop of oil from the red berry above your head will 
do it without fail . 77 

“ What, coffee oil ? I stand corrected, fair lady . 77 

“ The same, senor. A strong decoction of the cured 
berry will sometimes answer . 77 

“ I am glad to learn it, for I am sometimes afflicted 
that way . 77 

“Please don’t demolish that poor Plantago major 
beneath your heel. I have a deal of affection for that 
humble plant with its one green martello tower . 77 

“Why should you value that weed ? 77 

“ Because a strong tincture of it will cure the ache of 


MEDICINAL PLANTS. 


229 


a hollow tooth, where the pain darts into the temple like 
the stab of a dagger.” 

“ Indeed, and how would you apply it ? ” 

“ Take half a dozen drops internally. Then saturate 
any fibrous substance, and apply it to the hollow tooth. 
If the nerve is bare, it relieves instantly ; if not, it may 
take an hour.” 

“ Pray, where did you learn all this ? I have never 
discovered it in my text-books.” 

“Ah, most noble senor, I am privileged to glean 
knowledge from the bee in the flower and the bird in 
the tree. However I acquired it, the remedies are 
infallible when they are indicated.” 

“ Fair instructress ! I present myself as a blank page, 
whereon you may record all the wisdom in a medical 
maiden’s mind. Please proceed.” 

“ Were it not that I detect a vein of irony in your 
fanciful linguism, I should like to discourse of the 
virtues of yonder jasmine vine. It is the finest febrifuge 
in medicine, when fairly indicated.” 

“There are few botanic remedies that I know so 
well as the yellow Jasmine,” responded Lawrence. And 
for an hour the merry trio rambled about the garden, 
wisely discussing the remedial properties of the many 
simples found growing there. When, coming upon the 
old merchant directing his gardener, Yung Cho re- 
minded his guests of the unfinished game of chess, which 
led to their ascending to the drawing-room, where they 
at once renewed the contest for the valuable prize of 
chessmen. 

The final games became sharp, close conflicts, rather 


230 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


more equally divided than the previous ones ; yet Lady 
Osmanti came out ahead, and won the much-prized men, 
which were of great value. Yet this brilliant personage 
showed less interest in the games than she did about 
the duration of Lawrence’s stay at Hong Kong, and the 
probable track his ship would take in beating down 
through the China Sea. 

She wished to impress him with the necessity of fav- 
oring the western passage, and when well to the south, 
she strongly advised his making Pulo Condore, going to 
the eastward of the island ; thence steering due south, 
sighting the Camel’s Hump, passing through Gaspar 
Straits, and on to the North Watcher in the Straits of 
Sunda. 

As it was Lawrence’s first homeward passage through 
the dangerous sea, with its infinite number of sunken 
shoals and half-emerged coral islands, he was favorably 
impressed by the course laid out with such nice pre- 
cision — the secret reason of which only dawned upon 
him at a later day. 

It was now fully evident that the ardent Senorita was 
captivated with her new acquaintance. But this did not 
greatly surprise Lawrence, after the numerous ovations 
and feminine favors received at Hong Kong. And then 
a heart full to overflowing with fair Lucia Seymour 
could easily withstand the blandishments of the most 
brilliant of her sex. To one fresh from the refined at- 
mosphere and innate piety and purity ever associated 
with Lady Lucia, the grand and beautiful Spanish 
maiden could not but seem a trifle too free and forward 
in manner; impressing the keen-eyed Lawrence with 


ALOATA WINS THE CHESSMEN. 


231 


her lack of womanly delicacy which was, perhaps, blunted 
by too free contact with the rough element of life at 
Manila, or, more properly, should be attributed to the 
national trait of her ardent, impulsive Spanish people. 

Taken all in all, Lady Osmanti was one to embellish 
the most intelligent society. She was large-minded, and 
by keen observation had acquired extensive information, 
qualities not often found in full measure even among 
cultivated women. In some unaccountable way she had 
garnered an immense fund of such knowledge as the 
Earl of St. Clare and his gifted daughter sought during 
their years of travel. 

Nevertheless, Lady Osmanti and Lady Lucia presented 
the most opposite characteristics of their sex, and only 
by their willowy-curves, tapering-flexions and billowy- 
swells, could their exquisite beauty touch hands in the 
least. But in these essentials it was impossible for 
their personal charms not to approximate, as the classic 
element of beauty is a central truth, an established law 
as fixed as the sunlight. 

Had not Lawrence’s heart been thoroughly pre-occu- 
pied before meeting the Senorita, he might easily have 
become enamored of this remarkable woman. For a 
man’s heart is vagrant as a meadow brook. One fills its 
bosom with perfume from every succeeding flower along 
its bank ; the other embarks his lighter loves with every 
fair maid he spies. But to return to the games, — 

“Lady Osmanti, I congratulate you on winning six 
well-contested games. The superb chessmen are yours, 
thanks to Yung Cho’s munificence.” 

“Truly, Capitaine, I wish the pretty baubles might 


232 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

have fallen to your lot. I am sure you might have won 
them, had you played with greater deliberation at the 
beginning.” 

“ They are a beautiful trophy, and I should be proud 
to have won them from so gifted a player as your Lady- 
ship.” 

“ Shall we never meet again, Senor Lawrence ? ” ques- 
tioned the Senorita, while studiously replacing the chess- 
men from the margin to the center of the board. Her 
large magnificent eyes dwelling with a look of touching 
appeal upon her companion, and her subdued voice be- 
traying a touch of sadness in its modulation. 

“I hope so, most certainly, Lady Osmanti. I have 
enjoyed myself too much during these visits ever to for- 
get them. Perhaps we may meet in England, where I 
shall reside after my present voyage is finished.” 

“ Why in England ? Do noble Americans often desert 
their beautiful country to amalgamate with those purse- 
proud islanders ? ” 

“ In what way has the British Lion offended your 
Ladyship ? ” 

“ What alien people have they not injured and af- 
fronted ? Have they not enforced their baneful ‘ Opium 
Treaty ’ upon the downtrodden Chinese, at the cannon’s 
mouth ? Is there a baser national iniquity than the 
nefarious ‘ Salt Tax,’ imposed upon their Indian posses- 
sions ? ” Her black eyes flashed, and her superb figure 
towered into a severe pose of dignity and disdain, while 
her whole expression became chiseled into a marbled 
emotion of scorn, sufficient to wither a nation. 

Lawrence stood amazed at the sudden turn the con- 


WE SHALL MEET AGAIN! 


238 


versation had taken. He found himself confronted by 
another manner of woman than what he had known. 
The suave, agreeable maiden of a moment since had 
been obliterated by a casual turn of thought. He hast- 
ened to palliate the storm of injured feeling he had inno- 
cently aroused, by a soft word said in extenuation. 

“ Having no such enmity to debar me, I have promised 
some English friends to make my home with them for 
the present. It would give me rare pleasure, Lady Os- 
manti, to meet you again, and I am sure you would meet 
a warm welcome at Moorland Castle.” 

“ Thank you, Senor Capitaine ! I have a feeling that 
we shall meet again ; but I pray the Virgin Mother that 
it may not be upon English soil.” 

With this ominous riddle upon her tongue, and a tone 
of perceptible pique in her voice, the impetuous Senorita 
gave Lawrence her hand at parting, with the air of one 
grieved and disappointed at the futility of her endeavor — 
whatever that might be. 

Kind farewell messages were exchanged with the family, 
for Lawrence’s advent into their isolate lives had been 
a welcome jubilee to one and all. Witching little Arsi 
Cho was more outspoken in her thanks than her more 
timid sisters, who tottled about on their diminutive feet 
unsteadily as an urchin upon stilts. 

The old merchant had been an aggrieved witness to 
the unhappy flash of temper shown by his lady guest, 
and, after the gentlemen were fairly embarked in the 
sedan on their way to the river, Yung Cho briefly ex- 
plained that the East India Company had been the 
means of Don Osmanti’s financial ruin and subsequent 


284 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


death. Therefore his gifted daughter had abundant 
reasons to despise, not only the India Company, but the 
English government officials as well, for they participated 
in the cruel and arbitrary measures which the Spanish 
crown was too weak to resent. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


OLD TOM’S TRAGIC END. 


HE bright April day had been a busy one for all 



connected with the Fleetwing. The last of the 
lighters from Canton had been unloading on both sides 
of the ship, the merchandise being received and stowed 
down in two hatchways at once. Lawrence had applied 
a spur to every one connected with his vessel since his 
last return from the great emporium of trade, impatient 
to be gone from port and on the homeward way to claim 
his Lucia. The Captain’s health was fully restored, and 
no one now had much fear that the pirates would again 
attempt to assassinate a man found so hard to kill. 

A month and a half had passed since the Seymours 
sailed for England, and nothing had yet been heard from 
the Greyhound. True, the weather had continued unusu- 
ally rough. No vessel had come into port from Singapore, 
where Captain Royal intended to put in for a few days. 
But the strangest of all was that out of the five north- 
bound ships which had come to Hong Kong, none should 
have sighted the Greyhound on their passage from 
Batavia and Straits of Sunda. 

Though it had been a tiresome day for Lawrence, the 
night was so pleasant that he continued long upon the 
rampart, rehearsing his glowing life-plans to Dr. Greville, 
whom he now told for the first time about his betrothal 


235 


286 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


to Lady Seymour, and Iiis happy future prospects in 
England. Ending finally by inviting the doctor to 
come over the water after they arrived home, and spend 
a few months at Moorland Castle ; as their long voyage 
and its unusual perils had matured a strong attachment 
between them. 

The Captain dropped into a pleasant revery, heedless 
of the lateness of the hour. Greville finished his fourth 
cigar and threw the stump into the bay, which led him 
to notice that the swift running tide was nearly flood, 
and admonished him that it was past one o’clock in the 
morning. He rose to go, and gave Lawrence a hint of 
the time of night. 

Just then their attention was called to two dim, 
shadowy vessels, fanning slowly down past the pier, 
coming from the Ly-Moon before a light air and the last 
run of the flood. The largest fast-boat seemed to be in 
command, for some one on board of her was heard to 
order the smaller vessel to keep on and anchor abreast 
the cliff stair. While the large, clipper-looking craft 
sheered inshore, within hail of the jetty, and anchored 
just clear of the line of sampans. 

Erom what could be seen in the starlight, this vessel 
was a long, low-setting, well-armed fast-boat; for the 
shadowy figures of many seamen could be seen flitting 
about her deck, and her rapid evolutions while coming 
to an anchor were executed with the precision that 
delights sailors of all nations. 

“ That’s one of the three-masted smugglers, Captain,” 
remarked Greville, following Lawrence’s example by 
leaning against the eastern embrasure. 


THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL. 


237 


“Yes, doctor. But she don’t mean to tarry long, you 
observe,” replied Lawrence, startled from his glowing 
revery by this bold intruder in the offing. “ I notice 
that she has payed out but a short scope of cable, con- 
sidering the strong tide-way which she lies in. And 
then she keeps her big lateens aloft, like the wings of a 
timid bird half poised for flight.” 

“ By the way, those are wonderfully handy sails ; 
most useful to back and fill among such a snarl of vessels 
as this about us.” 

“Yes, indeed. They hang quietly in the wind’s eye, 
and are as flat as a fore-and-aft sail ; yet they can be 
set square by the yards as a topsail, when required.” 

“ See there ! some one on board of her is showing 
an ingenious signal light. Those 1 pigtails ’ are an 
imitative people; a blue cross inside of a red circle. 
What a pretty device.” 

“ Whoever sees that signal once should know it for- 
ever. Why, doctor, it really seems as if I had seen it 
before.” 

“ I wish we were at an elevated position, so that we 
could see the reply signal, somewhere shoreward ; prob- 
ably back upon one of the hill streets.” 

“ Perhaps it is a private telegraph to the harbor master, 
far up on the very top of the rocky hill. But no. On 
second thought I’m sure that the vessel’s hull can’t be 
seen from the houses beyond Queen Street, the cunning 
craft has caught the bottom so near in under the ware- 
houses.” 

“By Jove, sir, then the smugglers are communicating 
with some one not far away from us in the water-line of 


238 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


houses. See, they have lowered a boat and are coming 
ashore.” 

“Not at present, for they are dropping the boat 
astern. But this matter ought to be looked after by the 
water police. I’ll express my opinion about this to the 
Admiral and the captain of the port, to-morrow.” 

“ I certainly would, sir, for there is very lax discipline 
among the night police of the harbor. Do you know 
that I sometimes think there’s a criminal collusion be- 
tween the sea-rascals and the police of this place. Take 
the case of the attack upon your sedan, together with 
all the rumpus which your pistol-shots ought to have 
made ; and not a policeman knew about it till we sent 
them word in the morning.” 

“ I have had the same thought, doctor. But, criminal 
as it is, opium smuggling has been fostered so long by 
the East India Company that it has become a fixed 
part of their commercial policy, and all we can say 
won’t change it. Well, doctor, I think it is bedtime for 
us. Call out Crawford, so that I can give him his 
orders.” 

“ Here he comes now. It is long past his time to be 
called, and he has waked up and come out.” 

“ Tom, my lad, keep your weather eye braced when 
that boat comes ashore. And report in the morning 
when the fast-boat weighs, and what direction she 
steers.” 

“ Ay, ay, sir ! I’ll twig the snakish creetur, fur she 
looks ’nough like that ere king-pirate’s fast-boat, what 
we uns fought in ther Fleetwing. I’se ’spieion she am 
eenamost enny thing bad yees mought call ’er.” And 


A BOAT FROM THE SMUGGLER. 


289 


in five minutes more Tom was left alone in his night- 
guard on the rampart. 

It was perhaps half an hour after the officers had gone 
to their rooms when the watchful guard caught sight of 
the brilliant reflection from a blue-light, which was cast 
out on the water in the direction of the fast-boat. The 
dazzling signal was similar to that which the Captain 
had previously seen displayed by the vessel nearly an 
hour before. 

• What most startled Tom was that the light was 
thrown from the immediate vicinity of the Drinker 
house, yet he could not detect its position from where 
he stood. A half-minute had not passed before a re- 
sponse was flashed back from the fast-boat, though it 
was extinguished in an instant, showing the utmost 
intent of secrecy. 

Immediately after, a low-sounding boson’s-call tinkled 
on the ear, answered by the tramp of feet on the vessel’s 
deck. The boat seen towing astern was drawn quietly 
forward under the quarter ladder, and at least twenty 
armed men descended into her, followed more deliber- 
ately by a herculean officer. 

The oars w r ere not thrown in-end, after the usual 
method, a further display of secrecy but, in answer to 
a low command, the bow was thrust out into the swirl- 
ing tide, the muffled oars were shipped noiselessly, and 
the men pulled quietly in toward the shore, as if intend- 
ing to land half a mile farther to westward. 

But when once fairly out of the full strength of the 
ebb, which was now running in the direction of the Ly- 
Moon, the boat came silently winding her way through 


240 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


the fleet of sampans, until nearly abreast of the bastion 
where old Tom stood, and, finally, by the aid of a few 
strokes, disappeared on the far side of the jetty. 

Wary old Tom had noted every movement of the boat, 
and every sly dip of her oar-blades, whether he was 
pacing his lonely guard or leaning silently against the 
bastion. Yet there was no certainty but all this maneu- 
vering was harmless, as Hong Kong was a free port, and 
was often only used as an intermediate port between the 
sea and the up-river trading stations. Thus, as long as 
no one intruded upon his section of the battlement, old 
Tom paced his night-watch, alert to repel any who 
sought to encroach upon his special precinct. 

Presently the alert ear of the old seaman caught the 
low tones of a boatswain’s whistle, which seemed to 
come from some of the shadowy crannies of the ware- 
house. Not seeing anything to attract attention, Tom 
began to think that it might be only an echo, resound- 
ing against the granite walls from some vessel in the 
offing. With a considerable degree of nervousness, he 
continued his tramp, whiffing vigorously away at the 
black stump of a pipe, which he had just replenished for 
a good, square smoke. 

Soon after this occurrence, the armed boat again made 
her appearance, coming stealthily from beyond the jetty, 
dipping her oars lightly, to make headway against the 
young ebb ; pulling or drifting in response to the low 
command of the officer, who steered the cutter so as to 
come around upon the tideward side of the bastion. 
Then a large boat-hook, in the hands of the bowman, 
was grappled to the embrasure, and the boat drawn 


ATTEMPT TO LAND. 


241 


alongside of the sea-wall, fairly well sheltered from the 
tide. 

While the bowman held the boat firmly by his boat- 
hook, the coxswain — a nimble young sailor, fair enough 
to be a girl — climbed up to the embrasure by the aid of 
the hook, where he was rudely confronted by Tom with 
one of his characteristic growls. 

“ Back ther’ ! yer durned young monkey, ’fore I toss 
yez inter ther drink, ez food fur ther sculpins.” The 
sailor-boy slid back into the boat, surprised at his 
rough reception. 

“ Ashore there ! ” hailed the gruff-voiced officer astern. 

“ Hullo ! ” replied Tom. 

“ Is there no way of gettin’ through the portcullis 
into town to-night ? ” 

“Nary a way. It’s on’y lifted at ther sunrise gun. 
Yez can pull half ar mile back ter east’ard an’ find ar 
landin’ ; or mebbe ar mile down ter west’ard, at ther 
cliff stair, ez it likes yez best.” 

The officer hailed back in a more persuasive voice, — 

“ Say there, maty ! can’t you let us pass out through 
your section to Queen Street ? ” 

“No passin’ through ’ere till ther ’cullis am up, 
mister.” 

“ Oh, come, now ! be a good fellow for once.” 

“ I sez ye’ll hev ter bide yer time till mornin’ gunfire,” 
Crawford answered, with some loss of patience. 

“ But we can’t wait, my good friend ; and we’ll stand 
treat with the best the place affords, if you’ll oblige us.” 

“No thanks fur yer swash, mister. Yer couldn’t pass 
fur ther best glass o’ lollypop in ther land o’ pigtails.” 


242 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ Caramba! We’ll come up and pass anyway. So be 
civil, you growling old bear.” 

“An it likes yez fur ar frolic, cum up an’ try yer 
band at it. I’ll break tlier head uv ev’ry muther’s son 
of ye who seeks ter cross my beat ter-nite.” 

“We’ll see about that. Go up, boys, and give him a 
try.” And the foremost men began to mount up over 
the bowman and his boat-hook, but were checked by 
Tom’s energetic action. 

“ Avast, there, yer boobies ! or I’ll slash yer pates ez 
I’d carve a piece o’ salt hoss.” And the brave old sea- 
man whipped out his ponderous cutlass, with a vibrant 
ring that thrilled the night air with portent meaning. 
For Tom was expert with his weapon, having led the 
boarders on a man-of-war in his younger days. 

Just then Tom caught the rustle of running footsteps 
on the granite behind him. He turned just in time to 
confront a big, broad-shouldered woman, who came rush- 
ing upon him with drawn sword, poised for a lunge 
into whosoever encountered it. As Tom turned upon 
her, she checked herself a minute, to take the measure 
of her foe. She was belted and plumed like a born war- 
rior. Her girdle bristled with pistols, and showed a 
dagger’s hilt brilliant with gems. Her boat-cloak was 
adroitly wrapped about her left arm, to serve as a shield ; 
and, altogether, she looked very like one who contem- 
plated fighting d Voutrance. 

This was not the kind of foe superstitious old Tom 
cared to grapple with. But he was cunning at fencing 
and with the use of all arms, and he readily parried the 
free running thrust of his supple antagonist. Yet the 


tom’s duel with the queen. 243 

active old seaman soon found that he was kept busy 
saving himself from her artful passados and spiteful 
slashes; for, though she was a large, grand-looking 
woman, she was nimble of foot, and quick with her 
passes. 

At first thought Tom had no idea that his assailant 
was connected with the boatmen. Who and what sort 
of a personage she was, the bewildered fellow could not 
conceive. But the longer he fought, the stronger grew 
his conviction that he was contending against a left- 
handed sister of Beelzebub, fresh from the lower world ; 
for never a female mortal could handle a weapon like 
this false semblance of woman. 

Dazed by such conclusions, Tom was heard muttering 
to himself, and growling at his invincible foe, having 
just escaped one of her piquant thrusts at his heart, 
following after a well-managed feint at his face, — art- 
ful enough for either devil or woman in the old man’s 
estimation. 

“ Blue blazes ! Missus, duz yer handle yer tool like o’ 
thet ? Why, mum, am yez ar leddy or ther devil, sort 
o’ fixed up by yer tailor in smocks ? Oh, ho ! yez gettin’ 
sort uv spiteful like wid yer durned weapon, pokin’ yer 
skewer so’s ter spile ar ole man’s beauty. But, devil 
or ’oman, I’ll hev ter make two halves uv yer carcass. 
So look ter yerself, mum, an’ take ter ther work in 
’arnest.” 

Having outlived his superstitious fears of his antago- 
nist, the herculean fellow took to the offensive with the 
rush of a whirlwind, his ponderous sword slashes hum- 
ming through the air like the whistle of bullets in 


244 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


mortal combat. So hard pressed was his foe that the 
boatmen began to take a hand in the duel. Instantly a 
dozen navy pistols were leveled at old Tom, and he would 
have gone down riddled with bullets by the free-handed 
pirates, who climbed upon the shoulders of their ship- 
mates to assist the weaker party, but the dauntless 
woman purposely kept between her huge combatant and 
the sanguinary boatmen, who continually interjected 
their calls between the sword slashes : — 

“Caramba! Uncover the game, Capitana, till we 
pop ’iin.” 

The grizzled old officer watched the encounter from 
the boat with the delight of a connoisseur, until he dis- 
covered that the queen had a tough fighter to deal with, 
when he became anxious for her safety, and so expressed 
himself, — 

“ Mucho bueno ! Senora Capitana.” Then changing 
to English, hoping to distract the attention of Tom, he 
continued: “Stand clear, lady Capitana, the chap is a 
rum one, and needs boring. Move aport a bit ! ‘ Aquila 

non cajoit mnscas ! ’ — eagles don’t catch flies. Stand 
aside, buena Senora.” 

But Aloata — for it was indeed the pirate queen — 
showed more prudence than her men, and forbade their 
shooting, saying, — 

“ Nay, nay, my merry men, not a shot until I call for 
it ; and when did Aloata of Gular ever call for your aid 
in single combat ? ’Twould rouse the game we came to 
hunt, and spoil my frolic with this giant baby.” 

The queen’s nonchalance imparted confidence to her 
men, and disabused their minds of the impression that 


THE FATAL LUNGE. 


245 


she was being too hard pressed by the colossus. This 
led them to lower their cocked pistols, which had en- 
dangered friend as well as foe. While the euphemistic 
appellation of “baby,” coming from a dashing young 
woman, had the effect to greatly enrage old Tom. 

Crawford’s indignation soon got the better of his dis- 
cretion and coolness, for it led him to overreach the 
limits of careful guard. 

He lunged away with his huge cutlass furiously — 
too far to recall with such a heavy blade — and the 
next instant the adroit swordswoman disarmed him, 
and his huge cutlass went flying over the rampart into 
the sea, startling the midnight fishes with the glint of 
its blade. 

Springing aside to avoid Aloata’s swift home thrust 
which followed, the sinewy old seaman snatched a pistol 
from his belt, cocked and presented it to the queen’s 
breast ; but before it could be fired he received a terrible 
under-cut on the wrist, which sent the weapon whizzing 
over his head. This saved the queen’s life, and sup- 
pressed the report of the pistol, of which she stood most 
in dread. 

Amazed at such swordsmanship, and enraged by this 
second mishap, Tom unbelted another pistol in an 
instant. But before he could bring his weapon into 
'use, the agile queen sprang at him, made a swift lunge, 
and ran him through the body, — leaving the jewel- 
hilted sword on the breast of the brave old seaman, who 
fell upon the rampart with a noisy clang, which informed 
all ears within hearing that the queen’s blow was sent 
home, and need not be repeated. 


246 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Cool and cautious to the last, Aloata sprang to the 
embrasure with the leap of a tigress, for the blood- 
thirsty men were' now clambering up like a swarm of 
infuriated demons. 

“Back, back to your boat ! Every man to his thwart, 
and make ready for a sudden spring. We may have 
roused the game we hunt, and have need to use ready 
oars to escape.” And the wolfish pirates readily obeyed 
their dominant-minded leader. 

Calling up one whom she named Scotia, Aloata bid 
him quickly put on the coat and hat of the fallen guard, 
and tramp away on his guard-beat across the bastion. 
She then hid herself in the shadow of the embrasure, in 
fear some one of the many sleepers might have been 
aroused by the rattle of steel when Tom fell on the 
granite battlement. 

Scotia’s bulky form was large enough to represent 
Tom. The false guard had not tramped three steps over 
the stony walk before several windows were flung up in 
the numerous chambers, disclosing sleepy heads thrust 
out to learn what the noisy rumpus was .about. Seeing 
the burly figure of the supposed guard pacing leisurely 
across the bastion, all but one of the disturbed captains 
withdrew their heads, and returned to their slumbers, 
attributing the supposed noise to a nightmare dream. 
The one sleeper who lingered at the window remained, 
not to watch, but to fill his pipe and indulge in a much- 
needed smoke. 

When at length all became quiet, and the retired 
smoker was thought to be asleep, Aloata stole out from 
the shadow of the buttress wall, and knelt by old Tom’s 


DEATH OF NOBLE OLD TOM. 


247 


prostrate form. Freeing the brave man’s breast from 
her rapier, Aloata stooped to stanch his wound as best 
she could. Finding that her sword had passed near the 
apex of Crawford’s heart, and that his wound was fatal, 
the queen became saddened with real grief to think that 
she had destroyed such a valiant friend of the man she 
loved. 

Procuring a flask of spirit from one of the boatmen, 
the queen administered a draught to her prostrate foe, 
kindly questioned the dying seaman about his suffering, 
and asked what she could do to relieve him. Searching 
for his pulse, she found that it had already ceased beat- 
ing at the wrist, which was cold and damp ; and even 
his temporal pulsation had almost ceased. 

The old sailor partly aroused, enough to recognize the 
person who was bending over him, and, with the awe-in- 
spiring prescience of one lingering on the brink of 
another world, he began to plead for the welfare of his 
much loved Captain ; whom he had watched to grow up 
from youth to manhood — from cabin-boy to captain — 
and whom he now loved better than all else in life. 
While yet his aged eyes were becoming glazed with the 
film of death, and his inarticulate words were made 
moist with the life-blood oozing from his lips, dear old 
Tom made his last plea for his commander, — 

“ I sez, Belzy ! am this you ? ” And the dying man 
struggled hard to put his pulseless hand upon the almost 
human face bending kindly over him, but his strength 
was not equal to the task. 

“What is it, my good man ? I am the person who 
has killed you ; and I hate myself for the cruel act.” 


248 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


And the queen’s hot tears fell fast upon the cold, damp 
face of the wounded seaman, carrying conviction of his 
now being in friendly hands. 

“ But it wuz ar — fair fight, mum, — an’ yez — proved 

— ther best — feller. Now — good Belzy, promis’ — not 

— ter harm — my — Cap’n. It’s ther — dy in’ — wish — 
uv ar — ole — water-dog — what loves — ’im ! ” 

“ Yes, you brave fellow, I do promise. I will vouch 
my very soul that he shall not be harmed,” she replied, 
almost choked with weeping. 

“All right — leddy Devil. Now — moor — me ole 
hulk — ’long — side uv — mammy Craw — ford. Ef she’s 

— anchored — in — yer watch — down b’low — ther. 
An’, Belzy, — ’member — my — Cap’n — who — ” 

And trusty old Tom Crawford fell dead, with his cold 
face upon the cold granite ; which was now flooded with 
the life-blood of one of Nantucket’s noblest seamen. A 
man thoroughly fearless when battling with wild winds 
and rough weather ; or in encounters with demon whales, 
murderous pirates, and frenzied sailors when maddened 
with drink. But whose superstitious fears — even in 
death — made him a thorough convert to the belief that 
Satan presides over the affairs of men. Eor noble old 
Tom had found sixty years of sea life too full of evil 
things and murderous propensities to deem it possible 
that divine goodness rules over the mundane doings of 
men — ashore or afloat. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


captain Lawrence’s abduction. 

S OMETHING more than half an hour was suffered to 
pass after Tom’s death, before the queen would 
allow any further move to forward the enterprise she 
came to execute. Then the boat-ladder was ordered up, 
and Scotia, who still kept up his mock guard, was told 
to secure it firmly to the embrasure. 

Aloata was the first to climb up the escarpment. 
When all but the boat-keeper had followed, and ranged 
themselves in the shadow of the granite wall, the queen 
imparted her instructions to the officer in charge, — the 
same in command on a previous expedition, — directing 
him to guard every inlet and outlet of the section, and 
be prepared to resist every intrusion with a strong 
hand. 

Beckoning to Pulin — the sprightly little coxswain — 
the queen approached Lawrence’s apartments, keeping 
cautiously in the shadow of the section wall ; while the 
officer quietly stationed his men about the precinct. 
The door of the Captain’s chamber was found locked. 
Though the two windows were open, they were much 
too high to be reached without climbing. 

Aloata had made previous forecast for this difficulty, 
and now made provision for meeting it on the instant. 
Motioning for Pulin to put down her box of flowers, the 

249 


250 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


queen stationed herself under the window nearest the 
door, and adroitly placed her hands in the requisite posi- 
tion for the sprightly sailor-boy to step nimbly up from 
one dainty hand to the other ; thence to the royal shoul- 
der, and on to the window seat above. The small 
moccasoned feet of the girlish-looking lad tripped up this 
novel stairway noiseless as the travel of a bee among 
flowers, showing such complete indifference to the 
royal material of the stair as never a nautical masculine 
could acquire. 

When fairly perched upon the window sill, Pulin took 
time to listen with intense eagerness for the breathing 
of the sleeper. Satisfied that the Captain’s respiration 
was natural, the lad made sign to the queen, cautiously 
dropped over into the chamber and disappeared. The 
door was quietly opened from within, and the youth 
came tripping out for further instructions. 

Aloata opened the box containing the flowers, which 
now filled the night air with intense perfume, and bade the 
boy take them and hasten on his mission. Knowing 
what was required, the lad stole back into the chamber 
and groped his way through the darkness to the bedside, 
leaving a track of exquisite aroma behind him, honeyed 
as the wing-breeze of a hundred home-flying bees. 

For a time silence reigned within. It was a period of 
intense apprehension for Aloata, judging from her rapid 
breathing and restless action, together with the defen- 
sive attitude she occasionally assumed — though the 
latter was perhaps an unconscious habit of one inured to 
the use of weapons. From whatever cause, the queen 
was constantly freeing her rapier and half drawing it 


DRUGGING THE CAPTAIN. 


251 


from the scabbard — still wet with the blood of old 
Tom — and at times she handled her dagger or pistols, 
bringing them well to the front for ready use. 

So restless became the agitation of the queen as the 
delay of minutes seemed lengthened into hours, that her 
countenance would have been a study, her emotions were 
so conflicting. Though her face could not be seen in the 
starlight, the forward curve of her figure expressed 
volumes, as her sinuous body assumed the pose of a 
listening hunter, hearkening for the spent breath of the 
deer. 

At length Pulin appeared at the door, and hastened to 
the queen, uttering the one word “ Bueno ! ” in an excited, 
girlish voice ; and further indicated that the captain 
was stupefied, by covering both eyes with his hands. 
Waving her hand in the direction of the boat, Aloata 
sent the boy to bring forward the several men previously 
agreed upon. With the leap of a fawn, the youth ran to 
the bastion and soon returned, followed by Scotia, 
Hootie, and Antonio : all trusted men among the pirate 
crew. 

The queen led the way into the chamber, followed by 
the under officer and the two seamen. Scotia produced 
a dark lantern, and flashed its bull’s-eye about the room, 
until its glare struck the bed and disclosed where the 
sleeping victim lay, drugged by the toxic effect of the 
flowers. Touching the two stout seamen on the shoulder 
with her rapier, she bid them clothe the captain ; and 
further admonished them that they harmed the prisoner 
at their peril. 

The two did the work quickly, and for further security, 


252 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

should he rally from the stupor, he was rolled up in a 
pair of blankets, and corded like a bale of goods. 
During this time Pulin, the pseudo-masculine youth, had 
packed Lawrence’s trunk and secured his overcoats, found 
in the camphor-wood wardrobe near the door. 

When all were ready, the procession started for the 
boat; the trunk, the overcoats, and the bundled man; 
Aloata bringing up the rear, her heart beating wildly at 
the success of her bold exploit. Soon as the drugged 
man and his clothing were fairly stowed in the stern- 
sheets, Aloata blew a low whistle with her silver call, 
imitating the cry of a distant gull. The men soon ap- 
peared from every section of the rampart, and descended 
to their places. 

Then Pulin unfastened and threw down the ladder, and 
slid into the boat by the aid of the boat-hook. Thrust- 
ing out from the sea-wall, the oars were got into position, 
and the cutter was soon pulled alongside the fast-boat in 
the offing. The boat was soon hoisted, the human freight 
transported to the cabin, and the cunning abduction of 
Captain Lawrence was accomplished. 

While the “ Arsi ” was getting under-way, a signal was 
made to the companion fast-boat to take her anchor and 
be off, going by the western passage, not to attract too 
much attention by both vessels going in one direc- 
tion. 

The tide had changed since the Arsi came to anchor, 
and was now running swiftly, trailing the vessel to the 
eastward with the morning ebb. The wind was fair 
enough to allow free sheets down through the Ly-Moon 
and out to sea. It was but a few minutes’ work of the 


BEARDING THE WAR-SHIPS. 


253 


capstan to trip the anchor, which was quickly catted and 
taken to the bow. 

The three huge lateens were trimmed to the breeze, 
and the long, sharp vessel was brought as near to her 
course as the numerous junks and merchantmen would 
allow; skimming over the starlit bay fleet as a bird. 
Though there were one hundred and twenty seamen 
employed while taking the anchor, hoisting the boat, and 
trimming the sails, as soon as the vessel was a-weigh, 
and the one hundred sweeps laid handy for use, all but 
forty coolie seamen were sent below, lest attention should 
be attracted to their warlike character. 

Bending gracefully from her course to avoid the inter- 
vening vessels, the Arsi threaded her way directly 
through the fleet of men-of-war; as it would require 
great loss of time to tack and avoid them. Whether 
purposely or not, Aloata fearlessly sailed her craft near 
enough to throw a biscuit on board the Admiral’s line- 
of-battle ship ; showing that a woman’s tact, coolness, 
and unquailing courage are not inferior to the bravest 
of the sterner sex. 

As the piratical fast-boat passed close under the stern 
of the Invincible, the quartermaster looked lazily down 
upon the deck of the apparent smuggler, and hailed, — 

“ What vessel’s that ! and where are you bound ? ” 

A ready answer was flung contemptuously back to the 
officer by Aloata, who sat indolently leaning over the 
taffrail, — 

“ No intende, Senor ! ” — “ Don’t understand, sir.” 

“ Why don’t you have somebody who can understand ? ” 
angrily retorted the baffled Englishman. 


254 THE WKECK OF THE GKEYHOUND. 

“No intende ! ” was the provoking response, and the 
Arsi passed swiftly on without further molestation. 

The moment the fast-boat had rounded North Head, 
and the shipping was shut out from view, the boatswain’s 
whistle was heard. The whole crew was mustered, and 
the hundred long ashen sweeps were brought into play. 
This so increased the speed of the pirate craft that the 
snakish thing writhed and trembled from stem to stern, 
and she shot through the narrow Ly-Moon pass like an 
arrow. 

When the vessel approached the Waglan passage, the 
wind freshened and backed round still more to the south- 
west, with the trend of the tide. This greatly increased 
her paces, and soon carried her out past the Ninepin 
rocks. Then the seas became too large to use the sweeps, 
and they were shipped in and stowed away, while the 
vessel was kept off southeast, carrying a beam-wind, and 
running merrily down the China Sea, glad as an impris- 
oned bird set free. 

It was perhaps two hours after passing the Waglan 
Islands, during the mid-forenoon, while the vessel was 
running free under a press of sail, and beyond all likeli- 
hood of pursuit, that Captain Lawrence first awoke to 
partial consciousness, wondering where he was. 

The bewildered man aroused sufficiently to perceive 
that he was abed in a lady’s apartment, judging from 
the feminine apparel suspended about the chamber; but 
where it was and how he came there, greatly confused 
him. The gentle swaying to and fro of the strange 
habitation he was in, had the pleasing effect to lull him 
back into slumber, like the rock-a-by motion of a cradle ; 


AWAKES TO HIS SITUATION. 


255 


though it dizzied his brain, and seemed like being 
ballooned in the air, or suspended in a dream. 

As he recovered a trifle more sensibility, his attention 
was called to the frequent rapid careening of the bed, 
when the strong wind-puffs overfilled the sails and bowed 
the vessel to her bearings ; ever followed by a sudden 
weather lurch, as the fast-boat recovered her equipoise. 
A sailor cannot be mistaken about this never-to-be-for- 
gotten ship-motion. Instantly the half-dazed seaman 
knew that he was afloat, and readily believed that some- 
thing had happened to him and that the Fleetwing had 
cleared from port, and was on her homeward way. 

After another short sleep, Lawrence again made a 
desperate effort to arouse from his lethargic condition, 
and succeeded in changing his position so that he could 
look into the room beyond. The main cabin was finished 
in the plain unvarnished wood of all junks and fast- 
boats, though the cedar paneling of the Arsi was nicer 
than usual. 

Here was evidence of his being aboard another craft 
than the Fleetwing, and Lawrence was made so dizzy 
by the discovery that his sight wholly left him for a 
time. He lay racking his brain to learn what had hap- 
pened. A dim remembrance of seeing the fast-boats 
before he retired to his room was the most that his 
blurred memory could recall. When that was — a week 
or a day past — he could not determine. 

At length he became convinced that he was not only 
at sea, for he could now -distinguish the swash of the 
seas against the vessel’s side, but that he was a prisoner ; 
and had probably been knocked down and kidnapped, 


256 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


for his brain now reeled and ached as upon the previous 
occasion, when he was wounded at the cliff stair. This 
conviction was not pleasant to contemplate, and he 
again swooned and lay in complete unconsciousness. 

Hours after he was waked by a woman’s voice at his 
bedside. She seemed to be overseeing some work in 
the cabin. By what Lawrence could learn, the panel 
work was being changed. When his sight returned, he 
discovered that the plain finished wood had been turned 
to the wall, giving place to rich upholstering, cushioned 
with satin and gold-embroidered damask ; an ingenious 
device, by which the plain cabin was transformed into a 
luxurious boudoir. 

Even the camphor-wood ceiling had been metamor- 
phosed into rare legendary paintings of Oriental scenes, 
and the stateroom doors were changed from wood panels 
into heavy plate mirrors; each door being made of two 
thicknesses, and so hinged as to turn inside out at 
pleasure. These changes in Lawrence’s surroundings 
had taken place since he swooned, which led him to dis- 
credit his own vision and think he was undergoing some 
wild, fantastic delusion. 

The desperate effort he had made to master the above 
information overtaxed him greatly, and he could keep 
his eyes open no longer. Overcome by renewed languor, 
he lay in a semi-conscious trance, throbbing from head 
to foot with a pleasurable, sensuous motion, as if sway- 
ing upon perfumed billows of air. 

Though his eyes had refused further use for the 
present, his hearing had become abnormal, and now 
proffered him more abundant information than he could 


THE QUEEN AND HER MEN. 


257 


have derived from visual impressions. He sometimes 
heard the workmen call their mistress Aloata, noble 
Queen, Senora Capitana, and such names as soon led 
him to believe that he had been abducted by the pirate 
queen. 

With few exceptions, the cabin was now transformed 
into a pretty bijou of a place when one of the Scottish 
workmen asked, — 

“ What next, Captain Aloata ? ” 

“ Change the paneling of the starboard stateroom, 
Hootie, which is for your new captain. And work 
quick, all of you, for the American will soon rally.” 

“ Ay, ay ! noble queen. But we wants no new cap’n. 
The Arsi sails best wid you in command, if you will 
on’y lay out some work for your merry men.” 

“All in good time, Hootie.” 

“Is it true, leddy cap’n, that you’ve come to like the 
Yankee who killed the great Admiral ? ” 

“Yes, good Hootie. He’s a noble man. This Capi- 
taine did not kill Ching Along, but was himself struck 
down by the last sword-cut of the king. Mind that you 
impress this upon the crew.” 

“But, my queen, the leaders for’ard are mad and 
mutinous about this, and swear you have made this 
story to suit the case.” 

“Well, Hootie, you, Scotia, Antonio, and all others of 
my trusty men must stand by the truth of the matter, 
or you are no true subjects of mine.” 

« We’ll do our best. But, with all the culling of men 
by the officers, there’s many a black sheep among the 
crew of the Arsi. Yet it’s worse at Pulo Gular, for the 


258 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


mutinous scoundrels at the Point settlement are brewing 
trouble for us all.” 

“I’m glad you’ve told me this much, Hootie. They 
think that none but the great Admiral can keep them in 
check. But, if need be, Aloata can weed them out, and 
make a short shift of such scum at the yard-arm. Keep 
me informed about this mutinous feeling here aboard, 
and at Gular.” 

“Ay, ay, leddy captain. We’ll watch and we’ll wag 
our tongue for the right on’t, though it will be at the 
risk of our lives. _ Never another man can do the rough 
work among the point scum like Admiral Ching Along. 
No disrespect to the leftenant, his brother, nor the 
bravest of our brave ones, Captains Morelia, Puling, and 
Koxinga. — This stateroom is fixed in the fancy. What 
next, noble queen ? ” 

“Nothing more now, good Hootie. We’ll wait till the 
noble Capitaine revives before changing my room. 
Then I will show my merry men the handiest fighting 
man in all the Hwa Kwoh — the flowery kingdom.” 
And Aloata’s eyes flashed with admiration of the brave 
deeds accomplished by the man she loved ; adding, 
“The same hero whom my honest gentlemen knocked 
down in the sedan, at the cliff stair; and who rallied 
and shot six of my cowardly flunkies, and dispersed 
four more, that escaped scot-free to tell the tale to their 
shipmates.” 

“ Ah, leddy cap’n,” chimed in Scotia, who was over- 
seeing the workmen. “ An’ mysel’ was one o’ ther four 
‘flunkies’ what run like ar Derby racer. An’ likey o’ 
not I scampered faster nor the rest on um ; seein’ 


scotia’s story of the attack. 


259 


as how # Scotia boarded ther boat fust 1 flunky ’ uy 
all.” 

“ Why did the bravest man on the Arsi run ? I never 
knew that you would turn back to the foe, Scotia.” 

“ Well, my queen, it was Scotia who clubbed the 
rum un in the sedan. An’, may it please yer, I’ve a 
trick uv whackin’ twa licks inter one, sumtime. An’, 
sure ez yer live, thet’s ther whack Scotia placed softly 
on ther pate uv ther Yankee. An’ I tho’t ’im dead, 
clean gone, for he luked white ez ther sea-cap on ar 
storm biller.” And Scotia lpwered his voice into a 
sepulchral whisper, while making furtive glances at the 
sleeping captain. 

“ Think o’ thet ! noble queen. Then ter seen ther 
dead un resurrect, an’ shoot twa stout carriers wid one 
pop o’ ther shooter, made ar mon ruther onsartin ’bout 
ther honesty uv ther creeter. Wus than a’ that, for arter 
we’d rallied an’ slashed the dead un inter mince meat 
wid our cutlasses, dinna ther ghost uv ther mon turn 
aboot an’ pop four on us dead, in twa ticks uv ar timer.” 
And the burly old Scotchman quaked with apprehension, 
lest the unconscious Lawrence should see fit to exhibit 
more of his supernatural ability. 

“0 fie, Scotia! Ghosts don’t shoot bullets that 
kill.” 

“ Bless yer sole, Cap’n Aloata, give Scotia suthin’ ter 
fought what’ll stay dead when he’s killed, an yez 
likes not ter seen yer best fighter turn starn to ther 
foe.” 

“ Well, go now, good Scotia. Send your men forward 
and report to me what’s going on among, the crew.” 


260 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Jerking vigorously at their forelocks, the officer and 
his helpers backed out of the cabin by a succession of 
stern-boards, one and all apprehensive of the supernat- 
ural powers of the captive. 

Aloata was left with something serious to contemplate, 
if the half of her two thousand or more villains, both at 
Gular and aboard of the cruisers, were bent upon killing 
this man upon whom she had centered her dearest hopes 
of happiness. She turned to look at the captive who 
was like to cost her so dear. His eyes were closed in 
restful sleep, and his cheeks, which had been ghostly 
pale, were now flushed with the hue of health, showing 
that he w r as fast rallying. 

The sadly perplexed queen bent dotingly over the 
manly face which she had learned to love so well. With 
the fond solicitude that only an impassioned woman can 
disclose, she brushed the wind-blown hair from his fore- 
head and tenderly smoothed the short brown ringlets on 
his head ; dreaming dreams too enchanting to be uttered, 
yet all unconsciously betraying her inmost thoughts, — 

“ Oh, noble man ! If I can but induce you to love me, 
you shall not long be kept in captivity, nor be subjected 
to danger from my mutinous freebooters. Love me, 
Capitaine, and I will set you at liberty on the instant. 
We will load my fleetest vessels with wealth sufficient to 
buy a kingdom ; go whither you will, and make us a 
home, bright, beautiful, and pure enough to become a 
saint’s rest. 

“ Farewell then to my Isle of Roses — my flowery 
kingdom of Gular — though nothing on earth can be 
half so fair. Then, dear Capitaine, your Aloata would 


DOTING OVER HER PRISONER. 


261 


fill your noble heart with a surfeit of love and happiness, 
until you would forget your English peeress whose de- 
licious enchantment has hedged you about with the 
witchery of a Peri. 

“ 0 Santa Maria ! could this heartfelt wish but be ac- 
complished for your wayward child, then swift retribu- 
tion for the untold wrongs to the Osmanti might be left 
to the tardy justice of the gods. Neither British greed 
nor British goading should ever tempt me to again 
wallow in the fierce passions of revenge.” 

Thus the proud woman doted over her much loved 
captive, and moaned about the weight of wrongs imposed 
upon her Spanish kindred by an alien nation of wrong- 
doers, for which she had nurtured revenge so dire that 
her woman’s hand had become a hand of devastation and 
death, dealing destruction too bountifully. 

Administering a stimulant to help arouse the sleeper 
from his profound lethargy, the enamored queen dark- 
ened the room and went up on deck, becoming impatient 
for the kidnapped man to rally, yet somewhat dreading 
his first outburst of indignation when he learned of his 
captivity. 

The day was bright and warm. The southwest mon- 
soon was blowing strong and steady and had taken the 
Arsi well past the much dreaded Pratas Shoal. The 
fleet vessel was speeding southward on her way to Pulo 
Gular, the mysterious pirate isle that had baffled the 
naval fleet of England for many a year. Many secret 
expeditions had also been sent in search of this El Do- 
rado, where hoards of uncounted millions were reputed 
to be stored. But thus far the English had not discov- 


262 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ered its location, though it was believed that the Spanish 
government of Luzon, which pandered to the predatory 
power that spared their ships and destroyed their 
rivals, could have greatly enlightened the world in 
this matter. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


THE QUEEN’S CONFESSION. 

TTTHEN the queen went below, early in the twilight 
' » hour, she found her captive had arisen, and was 
now reclining at his ease in the quiet seclusion of the 
after cabin. He awoke refreshed, rose and made his 
toilet, and started to go on deck. But the effort proved 
too great, his brain began to reel, darkness invaded his 
sight, and, finding that he should fall if he persisted, he 
groped his way back to the luxurious divan built into 
the lunar curve of the transom ; where the cool breeze 
from the stern windows soon restored him. 

He had scarcely rallied and become clear-headed again, 
before the pirate captain made her appearance. Law- 
rence was struck dumb with wonder when he recog- 
nized in the much dreaded pirate queen the beautiful 
Lady Osmanti whom he had admired and esteemed at 
Canton. By no effort of his imagination could he at 
first believe that the two could be one and the same 
person. 

Aloata witnessed the sad perplexity of her captive, 
and, though she shrank from disclosing her true charac- 
ter to this man, yet she was too fearless and self-pos- 
sessed to delay the confirmation of her identity for an 
instant. She stepped eagerly forward to greet him, 
caught up the hand lying languidly across his chest, and 
inquired with adroit attempt at courtesy, — 

263 


264 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“Senor Capitaine, how do yon find yourself? Let 
me hope that you are none the worse for what has tran- 
spired.” 

Lawrence yielded his hand passively, showing neither 
consent nor reluctance by the concession. With gracious 
condescension of manner, Aloata seated herself by his 
side, and calmly awaited his response. Gray eyes and 
black orbs then met in sharp, severe interchange of 
questionings, as never keen-eyed mortals clashed scin- 
tillant glances before, each endeavoring to unriddle the 
inmost thoughts of the other. 

While the justly indignant man discovered that this 
once admired woman was his abductor, he felt assured 
that she had captured him neither for the purpose of 
revenge nor murder ; for the arrogant young creature still 
disclosed an overpowering tenderness for him. Yet, 
lurking somewhere in the middle distance, he caught 
glimpses of a well-defined perspective of sorrow and 
shame because of this senseless act which she had 
perpetrated. For, by so doing, she saw that she had 
plucked herself down from the high empyrean wherein 
this loved man had enthroned her. 

With equal sagacity, the wise-eyed woman discovered 
that her loved captive was judging her with mingled 
pity and scorn, showing the usual masculine contempt 
for the senseless feminine thought which had been her 
ruling motive, — a belief that with opportunity she 
could enforce an adequate return of her passionate 
love. 

Like the clash of keen rapiers were the intromitted 
glances of these two intelligent questioners: the one 


THE QUEEN’S DEFENSE. 


265 


piercing home with the irrefutable fact of criminality ; 
while the other parried every spiteful home thrust of 
her loved companion with the cool nonchalance of a 
born fencer. 

Lawrence’s indignant looks glanced from off Aloata’s 
adamantine armor, harmless to offend, and pointless to 
penetrate. But the man’s scrutiny of pity and compas- 
sion pierced home to the woman’s loving heart, and from 
her inmost citadel arose a cry of submission and shame. 
This impelled Aloata to force the conflict to a swift 
conclusion, pro or con. 

“Capitaine, you forget that I have inquired how you 
are.” The slight touch of hauteur which crept into the 
suppliant tones of her voice served to recall Lawrence’s 
indignation, and he answered with look and tone of 
severity, — 

“ Madam, I am as you behold me. A man who has 
been knocked down and torn from his lodgings cannot 
be expected to tell just how he is. Only that he is 
justly indignant at the dastardly wrong inflicted upon 
him in a surreptitious manner.” 

“You are wrong, noble Senor, in supposing that you 
have been beaten or handled otherwise than tenderly 
while under my own supervision.” 

“ Why, then, has a day or more gone past, leaving me 
physically weak and mentally confused ? ” 

“ You have only been drugged, Senor, by the aromatic 
odor of a simple flower, means not capable of permanent 
harm to any one.” 

“As I was handled roughly and beaten upon a pre- 
vious occasion, — and as I now believe by order of the 


266 . THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

same authority, — why should I deem that I have now 
been differently dealt with ? ” 

Aloata colored with shame. Her previous sin had 
found her out, and lowered her in the estimation of the 
man whom she most prized. But she determined that 
there should be no more concealment between them. 
He should learn that she was not so bad as she seemed. 

“You are right, Senor Lawrence, about the previous 
affair, which is now a subject of the deepest regret to 
me. I pray you hear my statement before you further 
question my motives. At the time to which you allude 
there were more than three hundred savage men lurking 
in the precincts of Hong Kong, seeking to murder you. 
Supposing you to have killed my husband, Admiral 
Ching Along, I arrived at Hong Kong that evening 
rather as a participant than a protector. 

“You were witness to my arrival, for it was done 
openly and fearlessly, while you sat on the balcony at 
the Ladrone Palace. You were pointed out to me by one 
who knew you. Immediately my weapons were loaded 
to revenge my husband’s death. With that intent I 
found my way into the plane tree at the west end of the 
balcony, secured a position which overlooked you and 
Lady Seymour, whom you were then in the act of woo- 
ing. You owe your life to that scene. 

“ Tender memories were touched by what I witnessed, 
— as the melodies of long forgotten songs come back to 
us from childhood, — and, though I repeatedly covered 
you with my unerring aim, yet I could not fire, and only 
the saints in heaven know why. I was determined that 
you should die, yet I delayed your execution to behold 


A WOMANLY CONFESSION. 


267 


the farce of two lovers wooing, for I had discovered that 
it was no common love-making, but a scene so holy and 
pure that death to one or both of the participants might 
be made most poignant to the slayer of my king. 

“ I had heard flattering things of your bravery, and I 
witnessed your manliness. In your interview with the 
Earl’s daughter, I caught glimpses of a character more 
grand and noble than I had conceived of, and my 
woman’s heart was more deeply touched than I knew. 
I said I would delay your death, and know more of you. 
And I then climbed down, and set my own body-guard 
to save you from the knives of the hungry assassins 
everywhere ambushed to slay you that night. It ended 
with ordering you to my own vessel in the offing. 

“You know the sequel of that morning’s work as 
regards yourself. You were knocked down and sup- 
posed to be stunned; rallying, your skillful use of 
weapons seemed so supernatural to my men, under the 
circumstances, that you slew half of my gig’s crew, and 
put the rest to flight from superstitious fears. 

“Because of that deed of heroism, — all unknown to 
yourself, — you were ever after guarded by my most 
trusty men, over whom I frequently presided in person ; 
for you were hunted by the most bloodthirsty villains of 
our fleet, and to escape by any ordinary precautions of 
your own was impossible. Let me hope that I now 
stand better in your estimation for the explanation I 
have given.” 

“ Who are you, my lady ? And why is one so superior 
in intelligence and breeding found banded with the 
veriest scum of the earth ? ” 


268 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ I am Aloata Arsi Osmanti, granddaughter of the 
great duke of that name in Spain. We are descendants 
of Ferdinand and Isabella. My father, Ferdinand Os- 
manti, was a wealthy Spanish Don, the head of the 
great house which for five generations bore that name 
at Manila. There were branch houses at Canton, Aca- 
pulco, Singapore, and Bombay ; and at one time his 
business belted the world with its ships. 

“ During my girlhood, Don Osmanti lost largely by 
speculation, and at one time was severely used by the 
English East India Company, which imbittered the Don’s 
whole after life. At length the English seized him, tried 
and condemned him for complicity with pirates, ending 
by transporting him to Norfolk Island, where the noble 
old man died, killed with grief.” 

As the young queen paused over the sad memories 
awakened, and pressed her throbbing forehead, so carried 
out of herself when contemplating the fall of her great 
house, Lawrence took occasion to push forward his other 
inquiries. 

“But to my second question, Senora. Why are you 
found banded with freebooters ? ” 

“ Senor, forgive my wandering thoughts, for this is a 
sad introspection for me. Years before Don Osmanti’s 
death, our whole family were taken prisoners by the 
pirate ship of Admiral Ching Along. We were sailing 
down the Macassar Strait, bound to Bombay with one of 
the richest ventures ever shipped by my father ; Senora 
Osmanti, my father, and myself, together with several 
lady companions, Spanish and Chinese, and our servants. 
We were all confined in the forward cabin and taken to 
the pirate stronghold at Pulo Gular. 


A SAD RETROSPECTION. 


269 


“We were not killed, as were others of the crew, be- 
cause my mother was Chinese. She was the daughter of 
a great mandarin of Canton, and sister of Yung Cho, of 
whom you bought your cargo. The pirate king took 
charge of our ship, the Acapulco, with a part of his own 
crew. Though most of our crew had previously belonged 
to his, having been purposely shipped at Manila by his 
connivance for the purpose of subsequent capture. 

“ In his interview with Don Osmanti, Ching Along 
compelled my father to impart to him the full history of 
the cargo, and all of his arrangements for disposing of it 
in Bombay. Father was made to sign papers so that 
Ching Along himself could reap the whole benefit of 
sales. As it would be some months before returns would 
be made for the cargo, our family was taken to Pulo 
Gular and held as hostage of good faith. 

“ 0 Senor ! there came sad days for me. My darling 
mother died from shock and grief, though the Isle of 
Boses is the most beautiful spot in the world ; but the 
beautiful Senora had been frail for years. The great 
admiral became enamored of me, then only sixteen, and 
just from the Luzonia convent ; and he made overtures to 
the Don for my hand, which were indignantly repelled. 

“Thus we were held in bondage for a year, until I 
learned to respect the great admiral for his bravery in 
battle and his invariable kindness to us. And even Don 
Osmanti came to sympathize with Ching Along’s war of 
retaliation against the hated English, when he learned 
how barbarously they had used the noble mandarin, who 
was a relative of Governor Lin, and had once been an 
honest merchant of Canton. 


270 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ Tiring of the restraint put upon us, and longing for 
freedom to voyage over the Indies, I at length yielded to 
the importunities of the pirate king. Of my own free 
will we were married, and I was proclaimed queen of 
Gular. Then Ching Along offered Don Osmanti his 
freedom if he would swear never to reveal the location 
of Pulo Gular, though none of us could more than con- 
jecture its whereabouts, because of the precautions taken 
when we were carried there. The old Don gladly agreed 
to the proposition. Ching Along then intrusted father 
with a private signal which would ever after save his 
ships from capture. And he further told my father, in 
my presence, that if he was ever in want of money — 
whether it were thousands or millions — he had but to 
show the pirate signal by night, in the vicinity of Pedro 
Branco, until some of the fleet discovered it, when word 
would be brought to the king ; and the sum he requested 
could not be so large but it should be supplied. 

“ I was to be spoken of as dead, as well as my darling 
mother ; but I was left at liberty to meet my father at 
Canton or Singapore, whenever I wished. The admiral 
himself took Don Osmanti to Manila, and landed him 
from his own boat at my father’s wharf. Though it was 
night, one of the English officials chanced to see the ad- 
miral, who was one of the grandest-looking men in the 
world, as you can vouch for; and the consular official 
remembered the circumstance years after, to my father’s 
detriment. 

“Eor several years after, the house of Osmanti flour- 
ished beyond all precedent ; partly because the vessels of 
Gular robbed many other merchant ships, but spared 


HISTORY OF DON OSMANTI. 


271 


those of the Osmanti. This came to be observed at com- 
mercial centers, jealousy arose out of it, and the English 
merchants sent some of their captains to sail in the em- 
ploy of Osmanti to discover the secret. 

“ As it was necessary to intrust the signals to super- 
cargo or captain, there came a time when one of the 
English spy captains acquired the secret. This man 
announced his determination to inform the English gov- 
ernment, unless he was made the recipient of a large sum 
of money. His threat was injudiciously spurned, and he 
disclosed the method of signals to the English govern- 
ment at Hong Kong. For a time they kept the matter 
quiet, endeavoring to entrap Hon Osmanti into a large 
financial loan, purporting to be for immediate convenience. 

“By numerous prevarications, they at length succeeded. 
The funds were loaned on time, but were not forthcom- 
ing when due. The proud house of Osmanti would have 
to go down without pecuniary aid from some source. 
After due deliberation, my father took ship to Pedro 
Branco, for he would not impart the special money sig- 
nals to any one. After displaying his signal for several 
nights, one of the pirate vessels responded, and the Hon 
sent a private cipher to Ching Along. 

“ This transaction was also spied upon, either by some 
one on board, or a spy cruising in the vicinity of Pedro 
Branco. Not many nights after the Bon’s return to 
Manila, the same English official, the consul, again wit- 
nessed the pirate admiral landing a large amount of 
treasure at the private wharf of the Osmanti. The 
consul had not forgotten his previous discovery of the 
great pirate chief, who in the interim had become known 


272 


THE WRECK OE THE GREYHOUND. 


throughout the China Seas as the admiral of the coast 
pirates. A standing reward of five thousand dollars had 
been offered for his head, which you have received. 

“ On the following day the firm was again in its glory, 
paying off its whole indebtedness, with liberal additions 
for interest during the overdue. This procedure clinched 
the previously known facts of complicity with pirates, 
coming to the knowledge of the English government at 
Hong Kong. When Don Osmanti subsequently at- 
tempted to visit his Canton house,' he was seized at 
Hong Kong, and put upon trial. 

“ His ships then lying in the numerous ports of Bom- 
bay, Singapore, and Hong Kong were confiscated; him- 
self tried, convicted, and condemned to the chain gang 
at Norfolk Island. This constituted one of the most 
unlawful international outrages known in maritime juris- 
prudence ; without the right of jurisdiction from first 
to last. While Ching Along was collecting his fleet 
at Pulo Gular for the purpose of recapturing the Don, 
the good old man died of grief ; and the English govern- 
ment was ten millions richer for his death.” 

Aloata sprang up from her seat and walked the cabin 
like a caged tiger, at her recurrent thoughts of the out- 
rage. Black orbs never shone with fiercer fury, nor 
human form become more terrible in dramatic expression. 

Lawrence could not but acquiesce — wickedly perhaps 
— in the justice of personal retribution, where the 
national arm of Spain was impotent to retaliate or re- 
trieve. Pausing in her fiery wrestling, with flushed 
face and quickened respiration, the queen again addressed 
herself to her auditor, — 


PERSONAL RETRIBUTION. 


273 


“ Senor Capitaine, do you wonder that my father’s 
daughter took an interest in the lightning strokes of 
revenge from that hour ? That she took to manual ex- 
ercise and feats of arms, as another girl takes to her 
guitar and needle work ? From that day I was as much 
a pirate at heart as my noble lord the Admiral — than 
whom a braver and nobler soul never existed. Together 
we cruised in every neighboring sea, crusading like the 
knights of old for love of retribution rather than for 
plunder. 

“ Senor, you will not persuade me that I was over-much 
wrong, especially when I add that my husband — a 
noble of rank and probity in his country — had under- 
gone much greater wrongs than my dear old father. 
The same predaceous government drove my Ching Along 
to piracy for revenge — but that is a story for another 
day. 

“ Suffice it to know that six months had not gone by, 
after Don Osmanti’s death, before twice the amount con- 
fiscated and negotiated by the English government was 
lying in English gold within our vaults at Chandi Sewa, 
and sixty proud ships had been sunk or burned ; their 
crews landed upon remote islands, and left to colonize as 
best they could. From the day of my ascension to the 
throne of Gular, it was agreed that there should be as 
little needless slaughter as possible. Revenge became 
too sweet to stay the hand, and, in spite of the proudest 
naval fleet of the world hunting upon our track, we are 
stronger in men and ships to-day than ever before. 

“ This is not the first time in the history of nations 
that governmental injustice has made brigands and 


274 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

pirates of brave nobles and honest merchants. Piracy 
was once England’s own national method of filling her 
exchequer, in the days of Drake, Frobisher, and Raleigh ; 
and the ‘ virgin ’ queen took her share of the plunder. 
To-day they are less open in their predaceous transac- 
tions, but more avaricious and unscrupulous than of old, 
because they now strike at smaller game. It has be- 
come too unseemly to rob the ships of other nations 
upon the ocean highways ; so the English war upon the 
poor Celestials, and compel them to accept the nefarious 
trade in opium. Thus England fills her coffers, and it 
matters little that she debauches a great people, too 
weak to resist her power of armed compulsion. 

“I know, Senor Lawrence, you will think I speak with 
unnecessary bitterness; and deem that mere injustice to 
an individual or a community is not sufficient provoca- 
tion for my being mated with a pirate king. But the 
story of my father and my husband is but one of many 
known at our Isle of Roses, where noble men have been 
driven from their homes by persecution. 

“The story of the. Admiral’s ruin was sufficiently cruel 
to arouse my girlish sympathy and win the proud heart 
of a Spanish Senorita, who had aspired to a regal mating. 
But I have come to know that the circumstances of life 
are not of our making or within our control.” 

Softened and subdued by the presence of the man she 
loved, the proud young queen bowed her head upon the 
cabin table, and sobbed with uncontrollable grief at this 
retrospect of her erring life. Lawrence sat silent and 
subdued, compelled to a greater sympathy for the inter- 
esting young creature than he deemed prudent to ac- 
knowledge. 


“SUCH TEARS ARE GOD-SENT. 


275 


n 


Presently Aloata lifted her head and shook back the 
dark ringlets from oft her face, smiling through her tears 
like a sudden sunburst after a storm ; ending with a 
ripple of laughter low-toned and tinkling as a peal of 
bells, and saying, as she rose to go. on deck, half apolo- 
getic with shame at her tears, — 

“ Only once before, Senor, have I wept over this 
matter for years. Though grief and great wrong have 
been my heritage, the womanly trifle of tears has been 
a stranger to me. When word came that my noble Ad- 
miral had fallen by your hands, then my grief was 
strong and lasting, and I swore to be revenged upon you 
and yours. To-day it is but a sun-shower, the summer- 
day luxury of woman ; truly a God-sent relief when the 
heart becomes choked with anguish; for with all my 
masculine courage your presence has made a woman of 
me again. But bear with me this once, Senor, you shall 
witness it no more.” With a graceful courtesy, Aloata 
left her captive to his own reflections and found her way 
to the deck. 


CHAPTER XXV. 


VOYAGE TO THE PIRATE ISLE. 

S OON after the queen went on deck, a sprightly 
maiden of about fifteen made her appearance, com- 
ing to light up the cabin lamps, and bring a message to 
Lawrence from Aloata. This was the girl who had so 
frequently taken the part of “sailor-boy,” during the 
previous expeditions from the fast-boat. She came 
nimbly down the cabin stairs warbling a pretty Spanish 
aria, reluctant to cease her singing when she came into 
the presence of the captive American, before whom she 
courtesied, with a familiar smile, and proceeded to say, — 
“ The queen bids me say to the noble Senor that on no 
account is he to go on deck.” 

“ Why is this restriction put upon me ? ” he curtly 
asked. 

“ Oh, Senor, not from any severity of my queen ; for 
she’s a darling, I assure you. But the crew are terribly 
bitter against you, Captain, and my mistress is afraid they 
will kill you if they get a chance.” 

“ And who are you, my pretty maiden ? You seem 
to be well taught and good-mannered, and yet I find you 
among bad people.” 

“ Bad people ? 0 horrors ! I don’t know what you 

mean, Senor. Our people are the best in the world ; so 
fearless in battle, and so kind to one another. Of course, 

276 


277 


PULIN, THE “SAILOR BOY.” 

some of our crews and many of the Point sailors are 
awfully bad. But we don’t associate with them ; and 
then the sailors of all nations are bad, for they drink and 
fight among themselves. I’m dreadfully sorry you think 
so meanly of our people at Gular.” 

“ But you haven’t told me who you are ? ” 

“ Oh, I’m Captain Puling’s daughter, Pulin Puling.” 

“ Where is this Pulo Gular they are taking me to ? ” 

“ Oh, mercy ! it’s way off in the ocean, where nobody 
can ever find it, but our own people. But then I’m not 
to answer any questions about that, so please don’t ask 
me. I’ve come down to place your things in the after 
stateroom, which is all fitted up nicely for you. It has 
been my room, but I shall give it up willingly to so nice 
a gentleman, as I can sleep in one of the forward state- 
rooms.” 

“ Why not put me in the forward room as well ? ” 

“ Oh, Senor, all because the queen is so careful of your 
safety. She wants you near her, so she can defend you 
if aught happens to require it. The large forward room 
belongs to the queen, but we shall not change it to the 
fancy until to-morrow.” The chattering Senorita busied 
herself tidying the queen’s room, and removing Law- 
rence’s wardrobe to the after stateroom. 

While the cabin-maid was thus busied, Lawrence 
climbed upon the transom to watch the sailing of the 
fleet vessel. The two stern windows of the Arsi were 
large and airy, the transom having been purposely 
extended forward on the sides sufficiently to form a 
luxuriant lounging-place. There one could lie head to 
a window, and watch the whirling eddies in the wake, 


278 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


and inhale the cool indraught from the ploughed-up 
waters. 

Upon this cushioned transom Lawrence spent most of 
his waking hours, when left to himself. Choosing the 
comfortable place ostensibly for the fresh sea air, but in 
reality to acquire a position where he could carefully note 
everything in wind, water, and direction of sailing. 
Also, watch the sunrise and sunset, and in the night 
hours note the direction of the constellations at the 
north, with a hope of gleaning some intelligence about 
the course and distance sailed. 

Thus far he had logged in his mind, with the concise- 
ness of a practical seaman : Wind, southwest ; course, 
southeast ; vessel running with fresh beam-wind, making 
fifteen knots. Distance sailed .... blank. As the 
captain’s chronometer had run down while he was 
drugged, he could not tell whether he had been to sea 
one day or two. So far, the Arsi had been sailing in 
green water, but while Lawrence lay watching the sickly 
green foam-bubbles in the wake, suddenly the sea-crests 
flashed up snow-white and sparkling. The vessel had 
run out of coast-soundings into the deep blue water of 
the mid-China Sea. 

Thus, three days passed without any apparent change 
in the surroundings. The monsoon continued strong 
and steady, varying, as near as Lawrence could define at 
night by Cassiopeia and her compeers in the sky, from 
southwest through the day, to south-southwest during 
the night. The captive was bearing up manfully, phil- 
osophizing as only a brave heart could do ; for matters 
might easily have oeen worse, and, whether good or 


THEIR CHESS BATTLES. 


279 


bad, he must bear it with the best grace he could 
command. 

Several times during the following day hours Aloata 
came down and challenged Lawrence to a game of chess. 
He always accepted the challenge as a courtesy due to 
the kindness of his captor. But he played a different 
game from their previous contests at Canton. There he 
was swayed by deference to the sex of his opponent. 
Here the chess battles were lifted to another level, for 
his heart was too full of bitterness to yield an iota to 
the sex of his opponent. The effect of being daily 
beaten by Lawrence’s brilliant combinations did not 
affect Aloata as he had supposed. She was not the least 
crestfallen by his successful finesse, but remained con- 
tent with her capacity of mastering each new set of 
moves, so that her loved contestant could not again use 
them with impunity. 

During these brief pastimes, while apparently giving 
her whole attention to the games, the keen-witted woman 
was also closely studying her companion. The noble 
nature of the man daily grew upon her, filling her 
young heart with an irresistible love. Yet, as her love 
deepened, she tasked herself not to obtrude her unwel- 
comed affection upon the dear object of her passion. For 
this Lawrence was grateful; and in many ways ex- 
pressed his gratification for the queen’s delicate consider- 
ation of his testiness and impatience at his captive 
condition. 

Late one afternoon, the queen came down and sought 
to vary the pastime of her captive by singing to her own 
accompaniment on the guitar. She was gifted with a 


280 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


dexterous touch upon various musical as well as war- 
like instruments, and endowed with a powerful voice of 
rare timbre and sweetness. Singing thus, she was often 
tempted to plead her own cause in melody. After one 
of these occasions she drew a discussion pertaining to 
herself and her captive, which created quite a sharp 
debate. 

“ Senor, the more you discourse to me of the exemplary 
qualities of another, the more you madden me with my 
loss. My whole brief life has been one eager outlook 
for some great soul to comprehend me. Oh, noble heart, 
weigh me not in your estimation by the opprobrious 
term pirate , which you find clinging to my skirts. It 
arose out of no natural selection of mine, but from the 
imperative event of my captivity, — your own conditions 
at this moment. My Castilian blood is as regal and re- 
mote in descent as the proudest English of them all. Such 
as I am, I am eager to be recast, re-annealed into good- 
ness and greatness, whatever you choose to make of me.” 

To which Lawrence replied with unnecessary severity, 
— “You have said truly that I am your captive. But, 
Lady Osmanti, that circumstance must not be construed 
into an element of coercion. The lex talionis is the 
same everywhere, and your subjects can run me up to 
the yard-arm if they like, and leave me dangling like a 
jewel-block in the sun. Or you can add a friendly 
cannon shot to my avoirdupois, and drop me gently 
down through the blue element over which we sail. 
But understand me fully and fairly, fear of death never 
troubles me ; therefore, the mere accident of captivity 
contains no element of persuasion for me.” 


THE QUEEN’S SAD REBUKE. 


281 


For an instant the appealing woman became trans- 
formed into the imperious queen, and a fierce gleam of 
the old arrogance flashed from her coal-black eyes, — a 
wicked menace of danger to her scornful captive. But 
the thunderbolt was withheld by the newly acquired 
tenderness in Aloata’s heart. Little by little the tense 
lines softened about her lips, and the stern flutings on 
her forehead were obliterated before she replied, — 

“Capitaine, is there not a spice of needless cruelty in 
thus taunting me with the usual buccaneering methods 
of dealing with prisoners ? Especially after I have 
abjured all intent to harm you. Is it becoming our 
relative positions of captive and captor to thus remind 
me of my power of life and death over you, as the chief- 
ess of a great war fleet used to dealing summarily with 
her foes ? Rather do I not deserve some commendation 
for staying the just onslaught of my vindictive men ? 
For Senor Capitaine well knows that mine is a position 
of personal peril, requiring a degree of courage which 
few women possess.” 

The touch of sadness in Aloata’s tones of rebuke 
showed that the iron had burned deeply, and Law- 
rence hastened to deprive his apparent taunt of its 
sting, — 

“ Forgive me, noble queen, for the seeming severity of 
my remarks. I spoke with no such purpose as you 
deem. But as you yourself found liberation from bond- 
age by conforming to a forced marriage, it becomes me 
to dissuade you strongly of there being any element of 
hope to be derived from my captivity.” 

With a smile of sadness, Aloata rose up and extended 


282 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


her hand, saying as she tarried a moment in the door- 
way, before ascending to the deck, — 

“ Let me hope that we shall succeed in covering every 
ground of discussion we touch upon, so it may never 
recur to mar our future intercourse. Remember that a 
person feeling as I do toward you, senor, can never bear 
malice.” 

Lawrence was left to himself for the rest of the day. 
Aloata kept to the deck, or the officer’s cabin, forward 
of her own. 

Pretty Pulin was attentive, and brought the meals 
and served them daintily, with a deal of maidenly gossip 
about the vessels sighted from deck, and the doings on 
shipboard. 

Late in the evening, after the night watch had been 
set, and Aloata had given her orders for the night, she 
came down and found Lawrence brooding in the dim 
starlight by the lee cabin window. The queen seated 
herself on the divan at his feet, and with delicate, 
womanly tact drew him out of his moody thoughts into 
a discussion of the physical geography of the dangerous 
mass' of coral isles and shoals bordering the south side 
of the sea. Lawrence was an enthusiast in sea-lore, as 
his companion learned at Canton, and willingly gave his 
attention to any strange phenomena of the ocean. 

Aloata had been the intelligent companion of the 
great Admiral for four years, sailing and resailing 
through every inter-island sea, and among the countless 
shoals of the Malay archipelago. It well became the 
pirate navigators to become familiar with every danger- 
ous reef and channel- way, to enable them to escape from 


HISTORY OF HER GIRL-LIFE. 


283 


their English pursuers. The queen’s memory seemed 
indelible, and her faculty of location of places and sea- 
soundings was such as only sailors can acquire ; as they 
attain the faculty of balancing in a sea-way, — a marvel- 
ous degree of unconscious counterpoise, which ever 
keeps them perpendicular. 

Sometimes in the midnight watches, when Aloata 
heard Lawrence leave his stateroom, and climb to the 
transom windows to secretly make his observations, she 
would herself put on some thin wrap, and come out to 
keep him company. Taking her usual seat on the divan 
below him, with her long, disheveled hair hanging down 
her back, she appeared in the dim starlight like a black- 
winged spirit intent upon his welfare. 

In the morning watch during the fourth night out, as 
they sat thus in the starlight, while Aloata’s loving 
heart was unusually impassioned by the magnetic influ- 
ences presiding over the antelucan hours, she adroitly 
induced Lawrence to give an outline sketch of his sea- 
life. Then with childish delight she subsequently drew 
him on to relate the story of his home life in boyhood, 
wherein he pictured his devoted mother and loving 
sisters, ending by disclosing a delicious episode of youth- 
ful love with a fickle fair, whose affection was not 
sufficiently enduring to outlast a sea voyage. This 
experience led the queen to further exemplify the 
uncertainties of life by her own sad fate, — - 

“Oh, senor, what a riddle is this problem of life! 
What a contradiction of purposes your coming has made 
in the checkered existence of Aloata Osmanti. Born to 
unlimited affluence, and lapped in the luxury which 


284 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


deprives one of the knowledge of human necessities, — 
circumstances which are supposed to compass all ends 
by endowing us with the best joys of this life, and 
furnishing a passport for the world to come. To me 
these unlimited resources have brought nothing but 
ruin, and in your eyes irrevocable degradation. 

u My cousin, the fickle and fanatical Eugenie de Mon- 
ti jo, married the Emperor of Erance. While I was 
affianced to a prince of Spain, who solicited my hand ii]L 
person at Manila, and for whom I was educated. Instead, 
I became mated with a pirate king, and am now abhorred 
by the only man capable of subduing my imperious 
soul. 

“ Educated in a convent with scrupulous care and 
careful religious training, I stepped into the arena of 
life with the world lying at an incline before me, down 
which I had but to glide to any degree of happiness de- 
sired. 0 noble man ! tell me, if you can, why I was led 
to choose an austral course, which led me to captivity, 
imprisonment, and subsequent banding with pirates. 
All the other cardinals were open to my choosing, and 
yet it was my own importunities that led Don Osmanti 
to take me and his family on the ill-starred voyage to 
Bombay. 0 Senor Lawrence, pity me, pity me ! and 
intone your curses for my ear gently as you can, for I 
was born to a better heritage than has fallen to my lot.” 

Half crazed with the remembrance of her misfortunes, 
Aloata seized Lawrence’s hand and pressed it passion- 
ately to her forehead, which seemed bursting with her 
woe. Bising with stern deliberation from his recumbent 
position, the reluctant heart of her recipient suddenly 


ALMOST HE LOVED HER. 


285 


gave way before the majestic inundation of sorrow, and 
he tenderly lifted the head of the sorrowing queen to 
his breast. 

A long, sweet pause of silent communion ensued before 
either changed position in the least. The sentient ves- 
sel swayed gently to the ocean swell, with a sympathetic, 
lullaby motion. No sound disturbed their reflections 
but the creaking yards, as the vessel rose and fell on the 
seas, together with the resonant beating of two hearts 
brought into strange proximity. With his free hand 
Lawrence stroked the queen’s raven ringlets, which were 
silver-rayed by the star-beams that peered spirit-eyed 
through the cabin windows. 

Sitting there in the stillness and the starlight, linked 
by an outburst of sympathy, in striking semblance of 
two lovers, — one was questioning the mysterious work- 
ings of God’s omnipotence, strong in his own integrity, 
and heedless of the powerful fascination which his com- 
panion was weaving about him with meshes of steel: 
the other was bitterly lamenting the necessity of their 
beating hearts ever being dissfevered. 

The queen was the first to find voice. Raising her 
tearful eyes, she thanked Lawrence in tremulous tones 
for his sympathy, with a glad, sweet smile which ex- 
pressed the supreme of human happiness. It were 
better that she had not spoken. The enthusiasm of the 
moment had passed, and, though her companion replied 
kindly*, any reply seemed almost cruel. 

“ Do not mistake me, Aloata ; no, not for an instant, 
for there is not a ray of love in my response to your 
grief-stricken heart-cry. Your terrible wrongs led me 


286 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


to condole with you, and my sympathy is heartfelt and 
abundant. But, living or dead, there is. but one woman 
who shall ever receive the true homage of my heart 
again.” 

“ Peace, peace ! Say no more, I pray you. Do not in- 
tensify your cruelty by repeating that your love can 
never be mine, and thus belittle the precious guerdon of 
sympathy you have just bestowed upon an aching heart. 
Believe me, noble man, I comprehend the stern in- 
tegrity of your love for another as no other woman on 
earth can do. 

“Fear not to degrade your love for the old Earl’s 
daughter, for the object of your affection is as grand and 
noble as yourself, and will not chide you for wrong do- 
ing in a matter of sympathy for me. Mark me, Senor, 
I too have tested the quality of your affianced, and can 
vouch for the capacity of her patrician soul.” 

“ Where could you have met Lady Seymour ? ” 

“ At the Ladrone Palace, on the night of your betrothal. 
I interviewed Lady Lucia in her chamber while my 
ruffians were attending to you at the cliff stair. I went 
there to kill her because of her love for you, whom I 
hated. But I found her more worthy to live than I 
supposed. Were it not so, Aloata of Gular would have 
flung the slightly formed girl over the balcony that 
night, and in this hour none could have stood between 
me and the man I love.” 

“ Great God ! what do I hear ? ” 

“Yes, Senor, you have to thank me for sparing her 
life, as well as your own. I had watched you laving 
your soul in the ambrosia of a maiden’s love, until my 


THE DREAD BALCONY SCENE. 


287 


heart grew purple with hatred at the sight, and I deter- 
mined that you both should die. 

, “ When I stood face to face with your patrician beauty, 
with my envious heart consumed to a cinder by hatred, 
her bewitching charms transformed my hate into admi- 
ration; because of her unquailing courage, and the 
irrevocable integrity of her love for you. For this I 
spared her life, even while I held her in my strong grasp 
fluttering like a ribbon out over the black abyss, with 
dire intent to cast her headlong into the sea.” 

“ Merciful Heavens ! Woman, did you not terrify her 
by your rudeness ? ” 

“ Not so, Capitaine. Your irreproachable Seymour has 
the courage of her convictions. She did not conceive of 
my murderous intent until the last moment, and even 
then she showed not a quaver of fear, and she refused 
to abate her love for you, though I threatened her with 
death. I learned iq that hour the value Lady Lucia 
placed upon a manly love ; and I determined to see for 
myself if you were the noble soul that she portrayed.” 

Lawrence had listened to Aloata’s forcible utterances 
with absorbing interest, and he now drew a quick respir- 
ation of relief, as he replied with much feeling, while 
generously tendering his hand in acknowledgment, — 

“Then I have to thank you for Lady Lucia’s life, as 
well as my own ? And I do thank you, noble queen, 
with the best impulses of my heart, however equivocal 
the motives that prompted your acts. You have been 
endowed with a terrible power of life and death over 
me and mine. And when goaded by the death of your 
husband, and hounded on by the revengeful cry of 


288 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


your followers, the provocation to retribution was great. 
That you have withstood these temptations, shows that 
you are a woman of no common order.” 

Aloata took the proffered hand, while a gleam of sud- 
den joy mantled her glowing face. 

She further expressed her gratitude with tearful eyes, 
while with heartfelt emotion she pressed her lips to his 
hand, with the reverence of a saint kissing her cross — 
the holy emblem of her creed. 

Lawrence willingly permitted the contrite woman to 
expend her grateful emotions, ere they retired to their 
staterooms for the rest of the night. Before he slept, 
he prayed earnestly that in his own beneficent way the 
All-Wise might make some speedy ending of this stu- 
pendous wrong, inflicted upon one so capable of the 
best possibilities of her sex ; and he soon had cause to 
believe that his supplications met with response in a 
more befitting manner than he could have devised. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 


aloata’s last battle, 



IHE fifth day out, when Lawrence climbed to the 


- 1 - transom to make his morning observations, he was 
surprised to find that the ultra-marine color of the sea 
had changed during the night to a vivid pea-green; 
while the surface of the sea had become smooth as a 
mountain mere, and not a vestige of swell remained. 

This implied that the vessel had run under the lee of 
land. Though land was not in sight from the stern 
windows, it certainly was not far away to windward, 
and Lawrence argued that it must be low land, because 
it did not diminish the force of the monsoon. The 
Arsi was still careened to a spanking breeze, and dashed 
through the green water at great speed. 

The sea-wash from the windward shore soon became 
of great interest to the captive, who, meaning to escape 
in an open boat at the first opportunity, now endeavored 
to propound an augury of his whereabouts and pros- 
pects ; as did the sailor Columbus, four centuries ago. 

While leaning from the cabin window, wondering 
what his fate would be, there came a cluster of cocoa- 
nuts, yellow with new ripening, and fresh-torn from the 
tree. Older nuts followed, hollow and milkless, with 
dry, brown husks, floating like a cork on the surface, 
and showing long, white rootlets, ready to grapple, like 


289 


290 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


an emigrant, to the first new-found land which offered 
a foothold. 

After the oranges and cocoanuts had been left far 
astern, the vessel crossed a tide-rip containing lemons 
and guavas, recently thrown into the sea. Beyond these 
the water was strewn with vines and flowers ; the vanda 
lowii vine, and scarlet hibiscus blossoms. Then came 
a wreath such as the native girls of the Suloo sea con- 
struct. These last driftings gave Lawrence some hint 
of his whereabouts. 

One is often brought to solemn reflections while pon- 
dering over the drifting debris of Ocean. Suddenly the 
body of a fair-faced native girl came heaving up in 
the wake, the vessel having passed over her floating 
corpse. Both of her girlish hands were clutched fast to 
a broken paddle, as though the implement had broken 
in her grasp and precipitated her into the sea. Cramp 
or other . cause had prevented her saving herself, for 
such perfect swimmers are rarely drowned. Such a 
theory would imply that the girl was alone, else her 
companions would have saved her. Lawrence’s first 
thought was to rush on deck and request a boat to be 
lowered. But upon second thought he remembered 
that he was among death-makers, not death-savers. 

The fleet vessel sped on without a sign of regret at 
thus trampling upon the dead maiden, and other dead 
drift soon came to attract his attention. A large and 
lordly palm tree soon went drifting by, with great 
clusters of fruit still clinging to the dead parent, as the 
offspring might cling to a drowning mother. The palm 
had evidently been uprooted in the recent typhoon, and 


INTERESTING SEA-DRIFT. 


291 


hurled from some declivity or marginal shore, unbroken, 
into the sea. 

Among the drift about the tree were two dead birds, a 
“ rain-bird,” or the blue-billed gopher, and a beautiful red- 
breasted dove, with scarlet feet and bill. Though invet- 
erate . enemies in life, these tropic beauties were found 
floating wing-to-wing in death. An emblem of the here- 
after which might apply to us all. 

The Arsi ran on many miles without other notable 
event. The breeze held fairly well, and the vessel 
breasted the grass-green sea as if impatient of her 
bourn. At length there came whirling up from be- 
neath the keel a tine shrub of blood-red berries, dotted 
with jet-black eyes. These berries reminded Lawrence 
of the joy such berries once imparted to one Captain 
Columbus, upon a long-gone October day. They became 
to the delighted Genoese a red-footed messenger from 
the yet unseen Indies which he sought, that were not far 
away. 

Vestiges of land now thickened with each onward 
bound of the vessel. Something of interest was momen- 
tarily brought into view, all of which impressed Lawrence 
with the prolific beauty of the fruitful isles, as yet 
unseen. 

The queen came down rosy and bright, gladdened by 
the near approach to her Isle of Loses. She brought 
down a half-grown milk-cocoanut for Lawrence, whom 
she linked with her every joy in spite of his reluctance 
to be loved. One of the officers had hooked up the clus- 
ter of nuts, opened the one pervious eye ready for drink- 
ing, and presented it to the queen. She poured out a 


292 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


goblet full for herself and captive, and together they 
regaled upon the delicious nectar. 

Aloata reported land in sight, and said that the Arsi 
would be at anchor in Gular before night if the breeze 
held fresh. She advised Lawrence not to ask her, or 
others, what land it was, as it were best he should not 
know at present, adding that if he ever left Gular he 
would be put upon oath never to disclose their retreat to 
the world. She merrily related the events of her own 
capture five years before, when a sail was hung over the 
cabin windows to prevent passengers from seeing out ; 
while some of the prisoners were confined until the vessel 
reached port. 

“ But you, Senor, are the one man of all in this world 
whom Aloata can trust, not alone with her Isle, but her- 
self, with no safeguard but your own unquestioned honor 
not to betray us.” 

“ Thanks for your confidence, most noble queen. I 
cannot do otherwise than to promise unasked not to be- 
tray yourself and your island during your lifetime, in 
part requital for some precious obligations in the past. 
So you do not intend to restore me to liberty very soon, 
as I glean from your remarks ? ” 

“ How can you expect it, noble Senor ? But please to 
spare me all questionings on that subject at present. 
Let me live yet a little while upon hope, however delu- 
sive it may be, as but little happiness seems to await me 
in the future.” 

The queen continued to edge away toward the door as 
she replied to the awkward questioning, and disappeared 
up the companion-way, glad to escape. Soon after 


A STEAMER IN CHASE. 


293 


Aloata’s departure, there came a loud call from the mast- 
head, implying that something of importance was in 
sight. As Lawrence leaned from the cabin window with 
ears and eyes alert, a sudden elbow was made in the wake 
of the vessel, and her course was changed by luffing sharp 
into the wind, until she headed back from whence she came. 

Aloata soon after came down to explain matters to her 
captive. She related that the lookout had discovered a 
steamer’s smoke, just as the Arsi was about to enter the 
tortuous reef-channel that led to their island-home. She 
had ordered the vessel put about until the stranger dis- 
appeared, as it would not be safe to disclose the entrance 
to Gular to even a passing vessel. 

The queen showed no uneasiness about the matter. 
But in a little while there was another outcry from the 
mast-head, where Hong Along, the first lieutenant, had 
gone to make observations. While Lawrence and the 
queen were listening, Pulin came down pallid with fear, 
and much too scared to impart the message she brought. 
Then came the lieutenant, making his appearance at the 
cabin door, flushed and excited with the startling news 
he bore. 

“ Captain Aloata, the wind is dropping fast, and a large 
English war steamer is in chase, astern. She is coming 
from the direction of Manila, has discovered us, and is 
overhauling us quickly. The chances now seem much 
against us.” 

“All right, good Hong Along. Pipe the hands to 
quarters and man the sweeps at once. Tauten your sails 
to the utmost, and sprinkle them well, for the breeze 
will freshen within an hour.” 


294 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“Ay, ay, noble queen. I liope it may prove so.” 

“ Hark you, brother Hong. At your first leisure mo- 
ment go and lay the train to the magazine. If we can- 
not escape this surly Englisher, we’ll give him battle, and 
then stick to the admiral’s old plan : induce the enemy to 
board, then retreat below and blow all to glory together. 
Now away to your work. Cheer the men, and put the 
best face on the matter. I’ll be with you soon.” Add- 
ing to Lawrence, as the officer sprang up the gangway 
and passed out of hearing, — 

“You see, Senor, the glorious fate we aspire to, rather 
than be made captive by the hated foe. With such an 
exit, well matured and deliberately adopted, there is no 
danger we may not dare. This was always Admiral 
Ching Along’s plan, and it shall always be mine.” 

While talking, and unfolding her plans to her compan- 
ion, Aloata was busily occupied in and out of her state- 
room, adorning herself in k jaunty, brigandish-looking 
dress, wisely asserting that it served to fascinate her 
seamen, as a shining bauble amuses an infant. When 
she emerged from her room she was arrayed royally, as 
for a carnival — though it were a carnival of death. 

Her bodice of crimson satin was richly ruffled at the 
throat, with a triple string of pearls about her neck, to 
which a coral cross was suspended. The skirt was a 
flame-colored Pena, veined with threads of red satin, 
the whole bespangled with tiny stars of gold, inlaid with 
gems of great brilliance. Her Spanish hat was bound 
with red, and decked with long crimson plumes from the 
Burong rubra . 

A starry baldrick of blue velvet, studded with gems, 


ARMING for the fight. 


295 


crossed her chest and joined a belt of the same material. 
In her belt were a pair of ivory-handled pistols and a 
jewel-hilted dagger — her constant companion — to which 
she now added a short cutlass, with scabbard of gold. 

Never had Lawrence seen the proud young creature 
look so grand and beautiful, as she thus stood arming 
herself with feminine ostentation before her mirror. 
She who usually dressed so plainly and becomingly on 
ordinary occasions. Aloata looked up and caught Law- 
rence’s look of admiration, and blushed to the color of 
her bodice, as she exclaimed, — 

“ Bueno ! Senor Lawrence, were you admiring my 
gewgaw dress, donned for other eyes than yours, or 
did I detect one little spark of appreciation of the bearer 
of all this frippery ? ” 

“ Most noble lady, you take me back to the long-gone 
days of your Spanish ancestry; when such a fair lady, 
in such royal garb, would have brought many a Castilian 
grandee at her feet, and caused many a lance to be 
broken in her fealty.” 

“Fie, Senor. What are all the nobility of the past or 
present to me ? Where love is not, the most desert 
place in your heart is more to be treasured.” 

When thus fully equipped, and after seeing that the 
charges were well home in her revolvers, Aloata kissed 
her hand to Lawrence and sprang up the cabin stairs to 
survey the scene, instinct with the heroism of a Boadicea ; 
discoursing of battle and death as other women get en- 
thused over bonnets and brocades. 

Taking a telescope from the rack, Lawrence scanned 
the horizon astern, and soon discovered the dense black 


296 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


smoke always emanating from an English vessel because 
of the soft coal she burns. The steamer was yet below 
the ocean’s rim, and it would take her more than an 
hour to come up, provided it remained calm. The Arsi 
was being impelled at the rate of four knots under her 
sweeps, and, with a strong breeze to aid, there was not a 
steamer in the China Sea that could overhaul her. 

As Lawrence sat watching the slowly approaching 
smoke, Pulin crept up from the divan and nestled cold 
and trembling at his side. Laying down his glass, he 
sought to establish a little courage in the pretty senorita. 
But before he had succeeded, Aloata came gayly down to 
report the prospect. Chiding her maid gently for her 
foolish fears, she bade her go to her stateroom until the 
battle was over. For the Arsi was now being cleared 
for action, and the officers had agreed to fight as long as 
the vessel could swim, and then — go up to glory ! 

Going to her stateroom, the queen brought out a pack- 
age of parchment, to judge from its crackling noise when 
handled, made water-tight with oil-silk, and handed it to 
Lawrence as she took her seat by his side. 

“Senor, here are my papers. Certificates of money 
and other valuables belonging to my father’s estate, 
deposited in the Bank of England. Secure them upon 
your person, for the end draws near, and I shall have 
other matters to think of at the last. If I am killed, 
promise to accept all, from one whose last thought will 
be of you ; all necessary documents to entitle you to the 
gift will be found within.” 

“ Is there no hope of a breeze ? ” 

“ Not until the steamer closes with us.” 


BEQUEATHING HER HERITAGE. 


297 


"If you really must fight to the bitter end, I will 
accept your gift, and make the best use of it I can.” 

“I believe we are doomed, and I will endeavor to 
make a gala day of it. If I am shot, and Hong enters 
the cabin to fire the train, leap from the stern window 
at once and swim for the steamer. If I live, I shall fire 
the fuse myself, and will give you thirty seconds to escape 
in. Remember to keep your head well out of water dur- 
ing the concussion, for it will be death to every living 
thing beneath the surface at the time. 

“ You may be killed by the falling timbers, but that 
will be the work of Fate ; and there will be one glad 
heart to meet you in the far beyond, and be your spirit- 
love forever. I shall keep command throughout the 
battle myself, and I beg that you will not attempt to 
come on deck to embarrass me by your presence. Pray 
for us both in the interval before the battle ; and, if you 
could decide to go with us, you would make me the hap- 
piest of mortals.” 

Lawrence shook his head, and persisted in escaping if 
he could. Smiling through her tears, the brave woman 
went forth to meet her death as another might go to a 
bridal. True, there was a tremulous quivering of her 
thin vermilion lips at the last ; a gentle, loving, linger- 
ing look of exquisite tenderness at thought of parting, 
but it was from no wish to live or fear to die. It was the 
agony of a strong, rich nature welling up to the heart 
and eyes while endeavoring to memorize every feature 
of the dear face so loved, so adored. 

It was some time before Lawrence could free his eyes 
from the slow intruding tears sufficiently to use the tel- 


298 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


escope. When he did, he could plainly distinguish the 
mast-heads of the steamer, and could see the English 
officers in the cross-trees, scanning the wished-for prize. 

In half an hour more her great Blakely gun could be 
seen on the bow, dipping up and down at the line of the 
horizon ; rising and falling upon the long undulation of 
the ocean. The steamer’s smoke jetted spitefully out 
from her two red stacks, as if impelled by the quick, 
sharp force of the exhaust-steam, let in to increase the 
draft. 

Another half-hour passed. Then the black muzzles of 
her broadside guns came slowly into view; now seen 
upon the one side, and then upon the other, as the vessel 
veered a trifle, and rolled in the undulation, from the 
immense pressure that was impelling her through the 
sea. 

Listening closely to glean what impression had been 
made upon the deck-gang, Lawrence could not distin- 
guish the least quickening of the long steady rhythm of 
their hundred sweeps. While the clear, brave voice of 
Captain Aloata was heard encouraging the rowers to 
their task, with what enthusiasm a fearless woman may 
impart to less courageous men. Hark ! to her exultant 
rallying. 

“ Cheerily ! my brave ones. Pull strong and steady. 
A breeze may come yet, and then we’ll show our heels. 
’Twill be an hour before yon fellow closes upon us. 
And if he comes — I see it in your eyes — we will fight 
him to the death ! ” A hoarse peal of cheers was their 
reply. 

“Come, Hootie, lighten the load with another song. 


FIRST SHOT FROM THE FOE. 


299 


That’s bravely done ! That will reach the ears of the 
Britishers. Pull to the chime ! pull to the song ! There 
she leaps ! There she flies ! ” 

A half-hour passed, and the rumbling boom of the 
great Blakely pivot-gun came singing a dirge over the 
sea, sounding like remote thunder. A monstrous shell 
burst out on the starboard quarter, tearing up the sea 
half as large as the breach of a whale. 

Their elevation had been excellent ; a little improve- 
ment in the range and they would brew mischief. A 
cheer went up from the pirates, while Aloata’s laughter 
rippled as musically as a flute in solo. She urged another 
song, as their best reply to the Blakely. 

“Come, Scottie, it’s your turn for a song. Music 
makes the boat glide. The breeze is mending a little, 
and that frolic of the fellow astern favors the rising 
wind. Come, Scottie, sing away ; else there’s nae moot 
in yees, mon, at tha ding o’ ther clatter astern.” 

And the brave young queen fairly ridiculed the pale- 
faced Scotchman out of his fears, until he sang a few 
snatches of “ Bonnie Dee,” amid the rollicking cheers of 
the seamen. 

The chase was gaining but slowly now, as the breeze 
was rising steadily, and she soon let fly another shell 
from the pivot-gun. Lawrence watched the beautiful 
curve of the shell as it came screaming through the air, 
until it seemed as if it would fall within the very window 
where he lay. He withdrew his glass and listened to 
hear it strike. 

The shell went screeching over the vessel and burst in 
the water beyond, appearing to have done no harm. But 


800 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Captain Aloata was heard encouraging the oarsmen to 
their work, saying, — 

“ Only a big splinter from the hounds of our main- 
mast, no harm done; let him try again. The fellow is 
amusing us finely. Never a man of you heard shriller 
music to row by. Leap away with her, my merry men. 
A little more wind and a little more ash, and we'll show 
our heels to the fellow astern. Hong Along ! let fly 
your stern pivot at the Britisher. The recoil of the gun 
will help the Arsi ahead. Keep up a steady fire for a 
while, else the fellow will think we are unmindful of his 
compliments. Show your practice at that knot of noble 
English about the bow-gun.” 

“Ay, ay! noble queen. I’ll teach the brave Johnnies 
how a small dog may have a big bark,” replied the 
lieutenant, as he trained his gun so as to cover the 
steamer. 

When Lawrence heard the queen’s order, he quickly 
placed himself in position, and trained his glass on the 
black cluster of English officers seen about the big 
Blakely. Then came the report over his head, and he 
was just in focus with his telescope to witness the havoc 
made by the plunging shot from the pirate, which killed 
a number of the group. 

The pirates yelled with delight, to see the scattering 
among the mass of officers about the bow-gun. 

The steamer yawed sufficiently to bring her broadside 
guns to bear, and let fly with her four thirty-twos, cut- 
ting off the mizzen-mast a few fathoms above the deck, 
and plowing up the planking in the bow of the fast- 
boat. This called for a force of men to clear away the 


BROADSIDE FOR BROADSIDE. 


301 


wreck of sail and bamboo yards, which had fallen upon 
the rowers. 

Both vessels were now in range, and the battle was 
fairly begun. But Aloata still kept her sweeps at work 
vigorously, saying, — 

“ That’s but a little mast, and we can spare it, if it 
troubles them. Pull away, and never mind it. We can 
outsail him yet, with a little more breeze and a little 
longer stroke. The wind is rising, sure as you live. 
Now for a long stroke, and a steady one. Scottie and 
Pallawan are just making up their minds for a song : now 
you’ll see the oars bend — now you’ll see the ash break ! ” 

This said to ridicule the growing fears that were 
steadily creeping into the hearts of many of the hundred 
rowers, as indicated by their pallid faces. Now came 
another shell from the Blakely, cutting away the main- 
mast, and splintering the fore too severely to carry sail 
upt>n in a fresh breeze. All thought of escape was now 
ended. They must now turn at bay and fight, and die ; 
for the odds were heavy against them. 

Order was at once passed to clear away the wreckage, 
to ship in the sweeps, and arm to repel boarders. The 
gun-crews were already plying their three pivot-guns as 
fast as they could load and fire, doing fine execution with 
every shot. 

The wreck of the masts was soon cut away, freeing 
the deck for action, and disencumbering the Arsi so that 
she could be maneuvered by the sweeps. The steamer 
worked her broadside guns steadily, the range having 
become too short to depress the Blakely upon the low- 
setting fast-boat. 


802 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


The English made every endeavor to rake the Arsi, but 
Captain Aloata was too expert to permit anything but 
broadside to broadside, and the great hull of the steamer 
received every shot fired from the pirate’s guns. 

Again and again the commander of the steamer tried 
to rake the wily pirate. But with the watchful eye of 
Aloata upon the helm, and the use of a few forward 
sweeps, the Arsi could be turned as upon a pivot, and 
kept plying her three thirty-twos steadily as clock-work. 

At length there came a thirty-two pounder crashing 
through the cabin, entering at one side and going out at 
the other. It cut the body of poor Pulin in two, as she 
lay cowering for safety in her berth, and passed out 
through Aloata’s stateroom, smashing things generally. 
This brought Aloata to the gangway, hailing, — 

“ Are you hurt, Senor Capitaine ? ” 

“No, thank you. How goes the battle up there?” 
For Lawrence did not then know of pretty Pulin’s death. 

“ All goes merrily ! It’s our last fight, and it shall be 
our best.” She then turned her attention to the battle : 
“ Slash away, my men ! that last from the midship gun 
was a good one. Load quick and fire fast, my lads. 
Such a broad mark you never had before. ’Tween wind 
and water with every shot ; there’s where his boilers lie.” 

Lawrence started to go up to where Aloata was stand- 
ing in the companion-way. As he came out into the 
entry, there he discovered half the dead body of the 
Spanish maiden, cut literally in two at the waist. He 
laid it tenderly back into the berth with the other re- 
mains, and covered all with a light muslin for her wind- 
ing-sheet. 


THE TIE OF HEROISM. 


803 


Climbing the stairs to where Aloata stood in the gang- 
way, Lawrence drew her attention to his presence by 
pulling at her dress; so full of admiration for the glo- 
rious creature that he wished much to go out on deck 
and witness the battle. 

She gave him her hand, and returned his greeting ; but 
not for a moment did she look away from her work, 
which required her constant attention. The steamer 
was again trying by every device to assume a raking 
position. As the fore-mast had just been shot away — 
leaving the Arsi without sail — the maneuver now ap- 
peared feasible. 

But Aloata conned the helm, while, in addition to the 
forward sweeps, she got out several on the quarter, and 
continued to present her broadside in spite of every 
maneuver of the steamer’s. Seeing this, the English 
commander shut off steam, content to fight it out to a 
close. 

Aloata then found a moment to put her head below 
the companion-way to greet her captive. Smiling with a 
delirious joy through the smoke of battle, while her 
cheeks glowed like roses, and her eyes flashed with 
living lights, she asked, — 

“ What would you, Senor Capitaine ? ” 

“ I would like to come up and witness the battle, if 
you will move from the gangway.” 

“Not for the world! My seamen are like madmen 
just now, and at sight of you would leave the fight to 
cut your throat in an instant. Be patient, my dear 
one . — Up with your helm ! Man your sweeps there 
for’ard ! Out with a pair of them on the quarter ! The 


304 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


big bully is not satisfied to figlit fair, with his pygmy 
foe. 

“ So, let her lie ! Now fire away at your best. Plug 
him at wind and water — feel your way along his water- 
line. Stir yourselves ! for ’tis the j oiliest fight e’er man 
of you saw before. 

“ 0 my Lawrence, this is glorious ! It is grand ! I 
would let you up, my loved one, if I dared. But my 
wolves are famished for blood, and it would kill me to 
see you murdered in this frenzy of rage. So be patient, 
and let me fight it out to the end.” 

She withdrew her attention wholly to the battle 
again. Lawrence remained upon the niche in the 
curve of the stair, beside her, and the two clung 
hand in hand, knit together by the tie of heroism, 
and that highest of all kindred sympathies, where 
two stand glorying at the shock of arms in unequal 
fight. 

The roar of battle, and the ringing shout ; the crash 
of shot, and the responding fire ; the smoke of cannon, 
and the sulphurous smell of powder, well might make 
a brave heart like Lawrence’s wild to go out upon the 
battle-stained deck, and witness the clang of arms with 
eyes, as well as ears. But he knew Aloata was right, 
and he would not distress the last moments of one who 
loved him so well, by risking a conflict with her battle- 
scarred demons. 

Above the roar of the battle rung the dear voice of 
their queenly leader, her strong alto voice searching 
every warrior’s heart like a bugle's peal. Well might it 
stir men’s hearts to wildest deeds of daring. Well 


THE FETISH OF WOMAN’S INSTINCT. 305 

might it prompt her pirate horde — chosen from a thou- 
sand of her bravest braves — to even greater exertion, 
though they were doing their utmost. Each command 
from that clear, exultant voice was as promptly obeyed 
as though coming from a god. 

Now came a great crash amidships, as though a thun- 
derbolt were hurled from the clouds ; the main pivot- 
gun — the Long Tom of the fast-boat — was throttled by 
a shot, and knocked from its mountings. Aloata tasked 
herself to soothe the rage of her men, and assuage their 
grief, — 

“ Never mind the Long Tom, my hearties ! He’s 
served us well ! Fight away with your other guns, and 
stand by to fill the death-gaps merrily. Lower your aim 
there, Hong Along, fasten your teeth lower in the 
steamer’s side ! Strike the water a fathom from the 
hull. Plunge your shot ! and probe deeper ; feel your 
way for’ard for his boilers. Hootie ! carry me the same 
order to the for’ard gun-capitan. Bid him train low 
and feel along aft.” 

Never in his whole life had Lawrence felt so truly 
that there was the cunning fetish of woman’s instinet in 
that order. It coincided with his reason, for the pirates 
had served their guns well along the whole water-line ; 
and the steamer’s boilers must be still lower in the hold 
or they would have been reached long since. Lawrence 
now listened intently, as one over a mine nervously 
awaits its explosion. And he had not long to wait, for 
the explosion came ! 

When the third plunging shot was fired from the 
quarter-gun — each shot feeling its way steadily for- 


80& THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

ward — there came a terrific din on board the steamer. 
Either a boiler or a steam-chest had been pierced, and 
for a time the fire of the Englishman ceased, while his 
hatchways and the shot-holes in his side emitted steam, 
like smoke from a crater. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


DEATH OF ALOATA. 



HEX the confusion somewhat abated on board the 


^ * Barracuda, the Englishman’s tactics were evi- 
dently changed. The pirate had found the steamer’s 
vulnerable point, and the battle should now end by a 
death-grapple. The helm was put up, the jibs were 
hoisted, and the slow-moving steamer payed off before 
the wind with the purpose of boarding the fast-boat, 
which lay riddled through and through with more than 
fifty shot-holes. 

Again the clarion voice of Aloata was heard giving 
orders, which showed that she comprehended the nice 
points of the situation, — 

“ Spike the for’ard gun, and stand by for boarders ! 
Hong Along, load the quarter-gun to the muzzle with 
grape ! ” 

“ It will burst her to tatters, foul as she is ! ” 

“Let it burst. We will not fire the gun until its 
muzzle is among our foes.” 

The steamer had payed off, and was forging slowly 
down upon the Arsi, steering to strike her amidships. 
About fifty of the bloodthirsty pirates had collected on 
the quarter-deck, stripped to pants, hats, and shoes. 
Their faces were begrimed with powder, and the hairy 
chests and brawny arms of many of them were bleeding 


307 


808 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


with ghastly wounds. But they were armed to the 
teeth, and the lurid gleam of battle-mad men still burned 
in their ferocious eyes. They stood in triple lines across 
the deck, impatient for the end, nervously handling their 
cutlasses, as ambushed tigers exercise their claws when 
couched to spring upon the approaching foe. 

Not a word was spoken by that grim phalanx of men 
as they watched the approaching steamer rise and fall 
upon the swell ; now dipping into the trough of the sea, 
and now towering high above the low-setting fast-boat. 
Her bows white with the swarm of eager British tars 
ready to leap, cutlass in hand, when their vessel collided 
with the foe. 

It was a moment when the hearts of brave men beat 
like a drum- corps in battle, — when the thunderbolt 
nurses its wrath for greater destruction, — when the 
coming tempest whispers in softer than infant breath- 
ings, ere it howls over the ocean with the vengeance of 
a thousand demons let loose. At length, over that awe- 
chilling hush Aloata’s dulcet voice was heard, speaking 
in the softest articulation of her high-keyed voice, to 
one of her favorite men, — 

“ Scotia, go ask the lieutenant to come aft here.” 

“ Ay, ay, noble captain,” whispered the awed Scotch- 
man. 

When the steps of Hong Along were heard approach- 
ing, such was the strong tension of Aloata’s nerves that 
her quivering hand clutched Lawrence’s with a grip of 
iron, the while she conversed with her first in command. 

“ Good Hong Along, is the train laid carefully to the 
magazine, as I directed ? ” 


REPELLING BOARDERS. 


809 


“ It is all right, my gallant queen.” 
u Does it lead to the tube in my stateroom, or must I 
go to the forward cabin to light the fuse ? ” 

(( It leads to the stateroom, where the admiral always 
led it for his own firing. But I will place myself near 
the magazine when we retreat, and, if you do not succeed, 
be sure that I will not fail.” 

“ Here comes the steamer. Away, and make a strong 
feint of repelling boarders. Fall back stubbornly about 
the quarter-gun, which you are to burst before you 
retreat below. I will wave my saber-blade as a signal 
to retreat. One minute after your men leave the deck 
I will light the fuse. Away, and lead your men to 
glory.” 

“ Farewell, noble queen. We will meet your husband 
and my brother in the land beyond the sun.” 

The huge figure of the brave mandarin was soon seen 
at the head of fifty as ferocious fighters as ever manned 
a fast-boat. The bow of the Barracuda crashed in 
the mainsail of the Arsi just beaft the fore-chains. A 
huge grapnel was flung aboard, hove taut and secured ; 
as the Arsi arose and ceased to careen before the black 
hull. Leaping from the guys, catheads, bobstays and 
martingale, there came, cutlass in hand, a hundred and 
fifty brave tars, bent upon making short work of the 
pirates who had fought them long and desperately. 

In three minutes the contending foes crossed cutlasses. 
Then the ring of steel was like Alpine hail upon a 
warrior’s mail. Hand to hand they fought, surging and 
heaving like contending billows. Now the one side 
swaying back before the mad onset of the other, 


310 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


then the other side regaining its lost ground for a 
moment. 

For a while the fifty wolfish pirates stood like beet- 
ling rocks in a mad sea, resisting the frenzied onset of 
their determined foes, and many an English seaman 
went down before their resistless blows. 

For an instant Lawrence forced himself out on 
deck, beside Aloata, while she stood without the com- 
panion-way, waiting to draw her cutlass, preparatory to 
making her signal for the executive officer to retreat. 
In that moment the American saw the blended fronts of 
fQe and foemen, witnessed the flash of falling steel, and 
the mad cut-and-thrust of men frenzied with brutal rage. 
Then Aloata rushed upon him, and compelled him to 
retreat, anxious as a young mother shielding her best 
loved, “Back, back to the cabin ! Have I not enough to 
bear without your adding to my trouble ? Down to the 
cabin, and make ready to leap from the window. I will 
linger but a moment to see a few more hated English 
die ; then, Godward we’ll go together ! ” 

Lawrence stepped back into the companion-way, as 
she desired. But he lingered long enough upon the 
stairs to see the queen shake her glistening saber in the 
sunlight, and hear her give her last order to the maimed 
and powder-stained lieutenant, — 

“ Now, let fly your charge of grape, Hong Along ; then 
retreat below. Adieu, Senor, au plaisir de vous revoir!” 

Her battle task completed, Aloata sprang down the 
gangway, and entered th*e cabin to prepare for the final 
destruction of friend and foe. Lighting her port-fire, 
which hung ready at hand, she quickly adjusted the fatal 


THE BRINK OF ETERNITY. 


811 


fuse that led to the magazine. Then, turning with flushed 
face and rapid respiration, she stood confronting the man 
she adored. 

Grasping the outstretched hand of her loved one, her 
countenance kindled by the latent embodiment of love, she 
delved with superhuman glances into Lawrence’s inmost 
soul ; seeking, as only a keen-eyed woman may, for some 
token of response to her undying affection. 

Who can portray the lustrous light of a loving woman’s 
eyes in such transcendent moments ? Eyes always iri- 
descent and beautiful, now lambent with the borrowed 
luster of another world. Who can conceive the working 
of a woman’s heart at such a time, when the agony of 
separation floods over her like a deluge ? 

Standing thus on the brink of eternity, Aloata’s whole 
being was aflame to possess the object of her love ; to 
snatch him up and transport him through the jasper gate 
which stood wide to receive her. As she stood face to 
face, piercing the inmost recesses of his soul, her lips 
paled and crimsoned, reddened and grew pallid again; 
quivering with burning words that her tongue refused to 
utter. When at length she found words, her voice was 
tremulous with emotion — as when one pleads in the 
conscious presence of the Heavenly Eather. 

“ Dear Capitaine, would that you were going with me ! 
Speak ! Say that you will, and make me the happiest of 
mortals.” 

“ I cannot consent to your plea. I have other dear 
ones to live for.” 

“ True. It would be wrong. I ought not to have asked 
it. But ’twere so sweet to die together. Bemember me, 


312 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Senor, and love me when I am gone. Darling, there can 
he no great sin in loving the dead. The dead, who so 
doted upon you in life. The dead, who forbore the 
sweets of retribution to save you, and who has loved 
you as none other can.” 

“ Dear Aloata ! I will remember you, and love you to 
the latest hour of my life.” 

“Then good-by, dearest and best of men. The blue 
heavens await me. Though I depart from you, I will 
never forsake you. Watch for my coming in the soft 
silence of the night, and in the solemn moments of 
prayer. For, as true as there is a God in the sky, I will 
plead your cause in every peril which assails you. De- 
member, I will come back to you when supernatural aid 
is most needed.” 

“ I believe you, Aloata. I believe that such affection 
as yours is never disunited from its object, and I will 
watch for your coming.” 

Even while Aloata poured forth her torrent of words 
in a tear-touched voice, the terrific din of battle was 
going on overhead, which was to be brought to a climax 
by exploding the cannon, loaded with grape, and pur- 
posely overloaded for bursting. Hong Along had unac- 
countably delayed his retreat longer than the queen 
expected. But she would not prematurely ignite the 
fuse until the gun had accomplished its fiendish part in 
the tragic scene. 

While awaiting the impending crisis, the queen con- 
tinued to swing her port-fire sufficiently to keep it ignited 
for ready action. At length the cannon exploded, shat- 
tering the stern windows, the overhead skylight, and the 


“ THE LAST PROOF OF MY LOVE ! ” 


313 


glass in the pantry. The noise of the explosion and 
the awful shrieks of the wounded were followed by a 
momentary hush. Then came Aloata’s time to act. 

“Now go, Capitaine. Leap from the window, and may 
God keep you, as only he can.” 

But, instead of releasing Lawrence’s hand when she 
bade him begone, her cheeks hushed, and her eyes flashed 
with the latest human impulse which clings to a depart- 
ing soul. She sprang upon his breast and twined her 
arms about his neck, while she pressed a lingering kiss 
upon his lips, with a relish as human as ever. 

Separating herself with the calmness of exhausted 
grief — as when one turns from the grave where the 
best loved lies buried — Aloata took off her pearls, to 
which were attached a coral cross and diamond-studded 
Saviour, and reverently placed them on Lawrence’s neck. 
Then drawing a silken cord from her bosom, to which 
was suspended the betrothal ring which Lawrence had 
given to Lady Seymour, she put it into his hand, saying : 

“ Take the necklace, and my precious symbols of wor- 
ship, as the last proof of my love — poor Aloata’s, the 
Pirate Queen of Gular ! The ring was once your own. 
I took it from Lady Seymour a few hours after you be- 
stowed it. It is the sole proof that I once spared her 
life, as well as your own.” For an instant the queen’s 
utterance choked, and her eyes flooded with tears, ere 
she continued, — 

“Now go, darling. Leap through the window and 
swim for your life. My brave men are being hard 
pressed, and await their release. It is time that we 
should die.” 


314 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Lawrence could only look his surprise as lie received 
the ring, for the imperious young creature stood with her 
port-fire suspended perilously near the fuse, sternly in- 
tent upon her heroic purpose, and looking as relentless 
as the Fates, — a very dispenser of life to him, • a fell 
demoness of death to her hated English foes. 

Leaping through the window as she hade him, Lawrence 
plunged into the sea, and struck out with all his might 
for the steamer, whose stern had swung around within 
fifty feet of the fast-boat. He swam all the faster from 
being strongly impressed that Aloata would rather have 
his company than let him escape. 

A strong, swift swimmer, he sought the shelter of the 
steamer’s stern. But before he had reached half the 
distance the terrible concussion came, followed by a loud, 
deafening explosion, which hurled him headlong against 
the rudder of the steamer. Half stunned, he climbed 
into one of the rudder-chains, more dead than alive, but 
securely sheltered from the fast falling timbers which 
showered down everywhere. 

Not a soul was living of the two hundred combatants 
on the fast-boat. Friend and foe had been stricken down 
while their gory fingers were clutched in each other’s 
throats. The lee-bow and the bulwarks along half the 
length of the steamer were shattered by the explosion, 
and several seamen had been hurled overboard by the 
concussion. A boat was lowered for the half stunned 
men as soon as the debris of planks and timbers had 
ceased falling, and the wild confusion of the moment 
would allow. 

As the boat pulled around the stern, after picking up 


CAPTAIN LAWRENCE SAVED. 


315 


the floating men, the officer was greatly surprised to see 
a stranger hanging, half-stunned, in the bight of the lee 
rudder-chain. Who he was, or where he came from, 
none could tell. But, as humanity was involved, they 
pulled up and lifted the limp man into the boat, and 
hurried around to the gangway to get him on board 
before he expired, as he was unable to speak. 

Once on board, one of the officers recognized him as 
Captain Lawrence, of the Fleetwing. No one had seen 
him leap from the cabin window — all were so intent upon 
the fight — and how he came to be saved, and lodged 
where he was found, when both the pirate vessel and 
her men were torn into tatters, remained a mystery 
to be solved by the captain himself, if ever he 
rallied. 

Captain Forbes ordered Lawrence taken into his own 
cabin, and the surgeon was sent down immediately to his 
assistance. The doctor soon sent word that his new 
patient was not seriously hurt. He was left lying on the 
lounge, where the steward applied embrocations of spirits 
to his head and face, while the surgeon returned on deck 
to look after the wounded, and those who had just been 
rescued. 

When all else of the exploded vessel had fallen into 
the wild vortex of waters — shattered timbers and head- 
less men, splintered planks and other debris from the 
general destruction — there came slowly fluttering down 
through the eddying air a gayly colored something like a 
woman’s veil. It evidently fell from a great height, and 
came gyrating down like a moulting feather from a sea- 
bird’s wing. Falling into the whirl of tossing foam, it 


316 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


floated upon the mass of wreckage like a golden flame, 
wind-blown here and there. 

Captain Forbes hailed the boat alongside, and bade the 
officer pull to the spot, and bring the attractive fabric to 
the ship. 

During the action, all on board the steamer had noticed 
the daring woman who kept the deck in spite of the 
imminent danger. Sometimes the beautiful creature 
stood quietly by the helmsman, at other times she took 
a position in the companion-way. Whether she was a 
religious zealot engaged in prayer for the general safety, 
or remained up to witness the battle, was in dispute on 
the Barracuda. 

Greatly to the surprise of all she remained at her post 
to the last, watching the terrible hand-to-hand tussle 
going on with the boarders. Few could conceive, even 
at the last, that she, a woman, was presiding over the 
desperate conflict, as peerless as Bellona of old. 

Aloata’s calm display of courage had won the admira- 
tion of all on board, and when the flame-colored remnant 
of her dress was seen falling from aloft, as though flung 
down in derision from the upper world, — a delicate satin- 
striped pena, scattered with gold stars, — all watched with 
interest to see it fall, and were glad when the boat pulled 
through the whirling waters to secure it. 

The muzzle of many a gun had been pointed a little 
more forward, during the fight, to avoid endangering a 
creature so brave and beautiful. Though it was believed, 
at the last, that she was really presiding over this most 
stubborn piece of broadside fighting known in the annals 
of practical warfare. 


THE HEAVEN-SENT TOKEN. 


317 


Thus, when the heaven-sent remnant of her dress was 
brought on board, each of the few remaining officers 
contemplated obtaining a piece, as a war-trophy to com- 
memorate the terrible battle, a memento of the brave 
woman’s heroism. 

Just as Captain Forbes was about to tear up the 
remnant and divide it among the officers, an appealing 
voice stayed his hand. Rallying from his faint, 
Lawrence made his appearance on deck. Coming from 
behind the group, he was unobserved until he spoke. 
He had recognized Aloata’s dress, and, seeing what they 
were about to do, he rushed among them, exclaiming, — 

“Forbear, gentlemen! I pray you, give me that 
trophy, it belonged to a dear friend. Tell me quickly, is 
she saved ? ” 

The remnant was given him, and he folded the tattered 
strip tenderly, looking about him with an anguished 
expression for the body of Aloata. Captain Forbes 
replied to him, — 

“ Hot a soul has been saved but yourself. Who was 
that beautiful creature who remained up through the 
thickest of the fight ? — caring as little about cannon 
shot as another might care for falling rain.” 

“ It was Aloata, the young Queen of Gular. The 
kindest, bravest, most beautiful of her sex. It was she 
who blew up the vessel, with her own hands ; doing it 
as calmly as she fought the battle; giving me, her 
prisoner, thirty seconds to escape by swimming. She had 
saved my life many times, and was in the act of taking 
me to her pirate isle, when you appeared, and drew on 
the fight. Hever shall I behold her like again. Are 


318 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


you sure that her body is not among the floating 
rubbish ? ” 

“ I think not. Mr. Ringold, take your glass and go to 
the mast-head, where you can overlook all, and report 
what you see.” 

“ I will thank you all, gentlemen, for any attention of 
like nature you can bestow. I will give a thousand 
pounds to secure her body. She is dearer to me than I 
can tell. I would mount the rigging myself, but my 
head is still in a whirl of confusion, for I believe I have 
been stunned.” 

“ But how did you save yourself, Captain Lawrence, 
’midst such general destruction ? ” 

“ By leaping from the transom window, when that 
brave woman was about applying the torch to the 
magazine.” 

Mr. Ringold reported from aloft that nothing like the 
body they sought could be seen. 

This report had a bad effect upon Lawrence. All 
grew black about him, and he reeled ready to fall. 
Captain Forbes ordered him taken to a stateroom in his 
own cabin, where he remained for the rest of the day. 

Every attention was now given to repairing the 
steamer. One of her four boilers had exploded, and the 
steam-chest of one of her double engines was smashed. 

The vessel was careened so as to more thoroughly plug 
her shot-holes from without, over which sheets of tarred 
canvas and copper were nailed. One of her compart- 
ments was half full of water ; but the fire-room remained 
uninjured, and when the remaining engine was started 
up, the compartment was soon pumped out. 


REPAIRING THE STEAMER. 


310 


Late in the evening the vessel was in condition to 
make sail, and start on her course with moderate steam. 
She was headed for Hong Kong, aud steered to pass to 
the south of the Pratas. 

On the following day a plank cover was fitted to the 
steam-chest, then the second engine was connected to the 
shaft, which enabled them to push on under a fair head 
of steam. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND, 


HE fourth day after the battle found the Barracuda 



within a hundred miles of Hong Kong. The day 
was fine and the sea smooth. The steamer had passed 
the Pratas during the night, and would sight the Nine- 
pins at early dawn. 

While Lawrence lay reclined upon the sofa in the 
after cabin, conversing with Captain Eorbes about his 
adventures on the Arsi, there came a hail from the mast- 
head lookout, which at once attracted their attention. 
Something of unusual interest had been discovered from 


aloft. 


After listening for a moment, Eorbes excused himself 
and went on deck to learn what was seen. Hearing 
nothing more for a time, and noting by the tell-tale com- 
pass over his head that the ship’s course was not changed, 
Lawrence dropped into a doze where he lay ; as the 
nerve-shock caused by the explosion had left him in a 
lethargic condition. 

While between sleeping and waking, Lawrence got 
the impression that the steamer gradually slowed down, 
and finally came to a complete stop. The effect upon a 
somnolent person was similar to a mild narcotic, and the 
sleeper soon sank into profound slumber j leaving him 
wholly unaware that a boat and crew had been picked 


320 


PICKED UP A BOAT. 


321 


up, and that the steamer wore around and put back on a 
retrograde course. 

Much more did the happy sleeper fail to learn. News, 
to which all his previous sad, sorrowful experience was 
as naught. The rescued boat contained the second mate 
and four seamen from the wrecked ship Greyhound ; the 
unfortunate vessel whereon the Earl of St. Clare and 
his beautiful daughter had taken passage from Hong 
Kong. 

The Greyhound, which was supposed to be half way 
on her homeward passage to England, was lying a com- 
plete wreck on the dread Pratas Shoal. Most of her 
crew were drowned when the vessel struck, and her 
passengers, who survived the wreck, had long since died 
from starvation ; so reported the officer who was the 
last to abandon the shattered ship. 

The boat’s crew were five days out from the Shoal, 
and had been working their way back to Hong Kong. 
Four other persons were left on the bare rocky island 
of Pratas, including Captain Koyal and the boatswain, 
both of whom were suffering from broken limbs. 

This disaster would be terrible news to Lawrence. 
And the kind-hearted Forbes dreaded to break the sad 
tidings to him. It was finally agreed to let the rescued 
mate tell his story to Captain Lawrence, calling the ship 
by some other name for the time being, giving Lawrence 
another day in which to rally from his recent shock. 

Captain Forbes went down to wake the sleeper, saying, 
as Lawrence aroused to consciousness, — 

“ We’ve picked up a boat belonging to a vessel wrecked 
on the Pratas.” 


322 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ What ship ? ” asked the half-awake man, rubbing his 
eyes. 

“The Eagle of Liverpool. Would you like to see the 
officer, and hear his story ? ” 

“Yes, thank you, Captain. Where is he ? ” 

“He’s lunching in the ward-room now. We’ll have 
him in, soon as he finishes refreshments.” Touching 
the bell-call, the first steward appeared. “ Steward, show 
down the wrecked officer when he gets through eating.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ Captain Lawrence, are you familiar with these terri- 
ble shoals ? ” 

“Ah, yes. I know them well. A friend of mine, 
Captain Kobert Holmes, of the Living Age, was 
wrecked on the Pratas. As noble a fellow as ever 
sailed a ship. He was coming down from Shanghai, 
homeward bound, with a rich cargo of silks and teas. 
The vessel was running in a gale at night, five days from 
port. Mrs. Holmes was with him, and a tough time 
they had of it ; fifty-five days on the reef. It seemed 
to be a fault of the strong westerly current. Kobert had 
kept the deck the best part of the night, and thought he 
was well clear of the shoal ; but about four bells in the 
morning watch she struck on the northeast side of the 
reef. The masts went by the board, and every boat was 
swept away by the first breaker.” 

“ I remember about that wreck. The Barracuda was 
sent to the rescue, but the steamer Shanghai, from Manila, 
took them off. — Ah, here comes the wrecked officer. 
Captain Lawrence, this is Mr. Howland — the officer I 
spoke of. Draw up a seat near the sofa, Howland; the 


BOB HOWLAND’S STORY. 


323 


Captain wishes to hear about your disaster on the ship 
Eagle.” 

“Yes, sir. A tough yarn you’ll find it, Cap’n. I’m 
an old sea-dog — forty year, man an’ boy — an’ I speak 
from ’sperience. This ’ere am the toughest piece o’ 
wrecking out o’ five I’ve underwent. Howsumever, I 
’spose I’m good for five more on um, if so I’m booked for 
it in the Log Book aloft.” 

“ Where did you sail from, and how were you wrecked ? 
Tell us the whole story, Mr. Howland.” 

“Well, Cap’n, I’ll teld yer. We took aboard our 
cargo at Wampoa, came down the river, cleared and re- 
cruited at Hong Kong. We left port last March, when 
that pesky typhoon wuz brewin’. Took our departure 
from the Ninepins, and shaped our course down the 
sea wid a leadin’ wind. But it breezed up fast, an’ ’fore 
night it piped on to the durndest gale Bob Howland ever 
bowsed out ar weather earing to. But we reefed down to 
snug sail^an’ the gale bein’ aft, we’d nuthin’ to do but 
pick our course to the suthard. 

“It wuzen’t long ’fore our fair wind give us ar bat in 
the face. It shifted an’ struck us aback ; an’ we braced 
up an’ headed to the east’ard. That brought the Pratas 
ahead on us. But it wuz the Cap’n’s calkerlation to 
head round west arter nightfall. 

“At dark the gale wuz hummin’ wus than ever. We 
wore round an’ headed west-nor’west, which give us a 
clear drift, wid no danger ahead. ’Bout an hour arter 
the gale whipped out west, an’ let fly its durndest. The 
ship’s head lay to the north, an’ our drift would take us 
clear uv the Pratas, so we felt easy. 


824 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ We then lay under close-reefed fore an’ main tops’ils, 
wid topmast stays’il. ’Bout midnight, when the typhoon 
gut really to work, it split the stays’l fust pop. An’ 
’bout an hour arter, away went the foretops’il clean out 
o’ the bolt rope, wid the bang uv ar thirty-two pounder. 

“The ship lay like ar duck, wid her lee-rail under 
water, an’ the lower yards dippin’ in the lurches. But 
the gale blew pesky hard in the squalls, an’ grad’ ally 
hauled to the nor’ard, till the ship wuz makin’ ar dead 
drift onter the infernal Pratas. We wuz now in ar 
quandulum, you see. The cap’n, mate, an’ I had lashed 
ourselves to the belay-pins under the hurricane house, 
an’ each on us gin in our dead reckonin’. Our calkerla- 
tions all agreed that we wuz durned near the Shoals. 
The gale wuz then blowin’ the wust it had done. It 
tore up the sea tops inter milk-white fiddle-strings. It 
blew so that I couldn’t bite off a good breath fur half 
an’ hour. We wuz all cooped up imder the weather rail 
an’ hurricane house, wid ar clear sheet uv foam roofed 
over us. 

“The wind had now veered nor’east. We wuz headin’ 
southeast, wid the old sea-way bumpin’ agin our stern 
like ar earthquake. This was drivin’ us straight onter 
the Pratas. An’ we could on’y ax the Lord to help us. 
The night was black as ink, an’ the roar uv wind an 
waves wuz deafenin’. I kind o’ wished we had ar par- 
son aboard to pray the gale down ar peg or two. But 
parsons is fine-weather birds, an’ they’s never where you 
want um. 

“ The question now wuz, where am the Pratas ? But 
the on’y answer wuz the roar uv the seas an’ howl uv 


WRECKED ON PRATAS. 


825 


the wind. In such inky blackness there wuz no tellin’ 
ar billow frum ar breaker. We could on’y know the 
Shoals by the 'thump uv our keel when we struck um. 

“ ’Bout four bells in ther morn in’- watch we all felt a 
new, strange motion take ar hold uv the ship. She wuz 
caught up by the biggest kind uv comber, swung off 
’fore the wind, and hurled for’ard like all possessed. 
Sum tremenjous power had seized the ship, righted her 
to an even keel, an’ shook her till she trembled like ar 
skeered human. 

“ The black night wuz suddenly lit up like ar volcanic 
eruption. The sea tops wuz all aflame wid phosphorus 
flashes, dazzlin’ ez the kitchin fire o’ Satan. Where the 
light cum frum no feller could tell. Up aloft remained 
black ez ebony, an’ the niggerish scud flew so low that 
it tore itself to tatters agin the swayin’ masts an’ rollin’ 
yards. 

“ Ev’ry face I looked inter wuz white an’ horrow- 
struck. I wiggled about in my wet lashin’ an’ put my 
mouth to the Cap’n’s ear an’ shouted, ‘ That’s surf ! ’ ” 

" 1 God forbid,’ sez he, lookin’ whiter than ever. 

“ i It’s surf ! ’ I yelled agin. ( I’ve bin in it ’fore 
now.’ An’ so it wuz. Two monstrous forty-foot break- 
ers had clutched the ship in a strong grip, one for’ard 
an’ one aft, an’ she had not touched bottom, though the 
jagged reef-bed wuz of’en laid bare in the deep trough 
uv the rollers down under our keel. It wuz the friction 
uv the surf agin the juttiii’ coral that made the phosphorus 
flame an’ flash like heat lightnin’ in a summer sky. 

“ We spun along ’bout five miles on them two breakers 
quicker’n you could think. Then the for’ard breaker 


326 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


slid out frum under the ship, and the bows plunged 
down inter the deep trough, an’ struck agin a big, black 
rock, that shattered ther bottom, an’ carried away the 
fore an’ main masts by the board, leavin’ nuthin’ but 
the mizzen-mast standin’ whole to the top. The minute 
the ship brought up, the surf rolled over us like ar 
cataract. Ten men went overboard wid the galley, the 
launch, an’ every boat on the cranes. 

“The next roller picked us up, an’ toted the ship 
’nother half-mile. There she planted herself fur good, 
’mong ar bed uv sharp rocks that pierced her bottom, an’ 
held her fast. She soon broached to, an’ careened over 
on her beam ends ; then the surf broke over us, till we 
wuz ez much under water ez fishes. Every comber 
smashed in piece after piece of main rail an’ bulwarks, 
till there wuz none left for’ard of the mizzen riggin’. 
One man arter ’nother gin out, an’ wuz washed from his 
lashings an’ lost, till there wuzen’t but three on us left 
under the hurricane house, the cap’n, boson, an’ Bob 
Howland. 

“’Bout that time the bows stove up sum more, an’ 
settled down under water. This had the effect to lift 
the stern nearly out of reach uv the surf. When day 
dawned, it broke upon three sad-lookin’ critters an’ ez 
desolate a scene ez the eye ever looked upon. The 
typhoon had done its work, an’ passed, leavin’ a heavy 
gale blowin’ that lasted five days longer. The mess of 
black rocks to the suth’ard, called a island, wuz ’bout 
half a mile off under our lee. The ship lay nearly a 
mile frum the western edge uv the surf, an’ ’bout two 
miles frum smooth water at the south. 


SWEPT OVERBOARD. 


327 


“ Other wrecks lay ’bout us in every direction. Most 
on um wuz old hulks, junks an’ sich like, wid nuthin’ 
but bare black ribs, steins, an’ stern-posts showin’ ’bove 
water. Some uv the wrecks wuz good teak-built vessels, 
craft that showed their strength by withstanding the 
breakers fur years. To the southeast uv the island lay 
a full-rigged Indiaman, high an’ dry on the rocks. That 
ship proved to be the Thomas Chadwick. 

“ At that time we s’posed the passengers wuz ground 
to powder, ez the starboard counter uv the ship had 
been badly stoven when we fust struck, an’ the cabin 
must have bin full uv water ever since. We three sur- 
vivors hung on fur six hours more, wet, cold, an’ starvin’. 
The rough rope-lashings had sawed through our clothes, 
an’ wuz cuttin’ inter the raw flesh every time the ship 
rolled, or a sea thundered down upon our heads. We 
should die by inches if we did not shift our quarters, for 
we wuz fast bein’ cut in two. 

“ Since the passengers wuz sent below, the cabin gang- 
way had bin closely covered wid a taupolin. Cap’n 
B’yal an’ I concluded to make fur the companion-way, 
an’ git below, or die try in’. I bein’ the strongest went 
fust so ez to help the others. I timed it ’tween the big- 
gest breakers, cut my rope,' and slid down the wet deck 
to the mizzen-mast, holdin’ on to the lee fife-rail waitin’ 
for the cap’n. But he an’ the boson waited too long. 
Bein’ weak, they made a big job uv cuttin’ the lashings. 
The surf took ’em ez they slipped their fasts, an’ swept 
’em overboard. The cap’n caught on to the mizzen-top- 
mast, which floated alee, an’ when the spar broke adrift, 
he drifted ashore an’ wuz saved. The boson struck agin 


828 


THE WEECK OF THE GEEYHOUND. 


a stanchion an’ broke his legs, an’, ez the poor feller 
couldn’t swim, he nearly drownded, jest outer reach uv 
Cap’n fi’yal, but wuz finally drifted ashore. 

“ Seein’ I wuz left alone to do or die, I ripped open the 
lee-side uv the taupolin, opened the gangway an’ crawled 
down the dark stairway. The water wuz swashin’ ’bout 
the foot uv the stairs knee-deep. There seemed to be ez 
much water below ez above. But still-water wuz ar in- 
terestin’ variety, ef it wuz deep. I waded through the 
entry into the cabin, spectin’ to see the dead passengers 
floatin’ ’bout sumwhere. 

“ The for’ard cabin wuz under water, an’ the after cabin 
wuz full uv trunks, tables, cheers, an’ floatin’ garments 
b’longin’ to the wimmin. I poked at the heaps uv clothes 
widout findin’ ar dead un. Ez the ship lay heeled aport, 
the weather staterooms wuz dry nearly to the deck ; but 
the larboard staterooms wuz tw r o-thirds full uv water. 

“ Wadin’ in up to the armpits, I reached the pantry, 
ravenous to git a bite uv suthin’ to eat. But lookin’ in- 
ter the cap’n’s stateroom, which jined the pantry, there 
sat the gals on a chist, twinin’ ’bout one ’nother like two 
lilies in a frog-pond. Both uv the pretty critters wuz 
water-soaked ez seaweed, an’ one on um wuz prayin’ fur 
deliverance that would never cum. For the ship wuz 
then poundin’ like mad, an’ seemed like to go to pieces 
wid every thump. 

“The old gent wuz not to be seen in any uv the star- 
board rooms. I axed the gals where he wuz. They 
p’inted down to the mate’s stateroom, an’ begged me to 
see ef he wuz alive, for they wuz helpless ez mewin’ 
kittens. But I gut a snack of somethin’ to eat, ’fore 


THE WOUNDED EARL. 


329 


huntin’ up a dead man, for I wuz most starved, not havin’ 
had ar mouthful for two . days. Arter lunch, I swum 
down to leeward, found the mate’s berth full uv water, 
an’ there lay the old Earl wid several ribs an’ an arm 
broken ” — 

“ The Earl ! who, sir ? ” demanded Lawrence, spring- 
ing up from the sofa with clinched hands, and wild horror 
fixed upon his face. 

Howland turned to Captain Forbes, seeking a cue for 
his reply. 

“Tell him all now, Mr. Howland.” 

“’Twuz the Earl uv St. Clare, sir. An’ the ship wuz 
the Greyhound, uv London, Cap’n R’yal.” 

“ Great God ! and is she dead ? Is Lady Seymour no 
more ? ” 

“ If you’ll keep quiet, Cap’n, I’ll tell ye the whole yarn, 
straight to the end.” 

“ End, sir ! I care nothing about the end. Tell me at 
once, is Lady Seymour dead ? ” 

“Dead, sir, an’ chawed up by a shark ez big ez ar jolly- 
boat. That’s the most I can tell ye, wid present knowl- 
edge.” 

With rapid strides Lawrence walked the cabin deck 
with bowed head and fluted forehead, his eyes fierce and 
bloodshot, and his breathing labored and oppressed. 
The heavenly Father had deliberately snatched from 
him the fairest and best of her sex. In the present 
dazed condition of his brain the effect was stunning, and 
in the frenzy of the moment he was overpowered by a 
wish to curse life, and die. 

For ten minutes he paced the deck without a word be- 


330 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ing spoken by any one. Such agony as it is possible for 
a strong man to suffer, Lawrence endured. At length 
he stopped before the old officer, haggard and aged as 
though an avalanche of years had rolled over him, and 
asked in a calm, sad, beseeching voice, hoarse and husky 
as one speaking from the grave, — 

“ Howland, is there the remotest possibility that all 
are not dead on board the Greyhound — that She may 
yet be alive ? ” 

“ Not the least hope, ez I calkerlate. But you’d better 
hear all I hev to say, an’ then jedge for yourself, Cap’n.” 

“ Go on, sir. Give me every detail of the final dis- 
aster, and don’t stray from your subject a hair’s breadth.” 

“Well, ez I wuz say in’, the Earl lay swashin’ ’bout in 
the mate’s berth, too much stoven up to help himself. 
He gut pitched out of his bunk when the ship struck, an’ 
had jest strength ’nough to swim inter the mate’s. Ez 
the bunks in the starboard staterooms wuz dry, I floated 
the table down to leeward an’ lugged the old gent onter 
it, then swum him across to cap’n’s room, where the gals 
wuz. 

“ The table legs grounded on the cabin floor ’fore we 
reached the stateroom — ez ’twuz a deep craft for a small 
one — so I had to tote the water-soaked man in my arms 
the rest uv the way. Takin’ off most uv his wet clothes, 
we wrapped him in dry blankets an’ put him in Cap’n 
B’yal’s bunk, ez it wuz ar swingin’ berth — alius right 
side up. I then persuaded the gals to climb inter their 
own bunks, where they could keep dry an’ get ar snooze. 
Eor the ship had got well grounded on the rocks, an’ wuz 
more easy, on’y tremblin’ an’ groanin’ like ar sick human. 


THE BROKEN ARM. 


331 


“ It wuz then cornin’ on night. So I gut a bit more to 
eat from the pantry, ez I’d fasted long ’nough to kill ar 
dromedary. I couldn’t induce either the Earl or wimmin 
to take ar bite. The gal sed suthin’ ’bout takin’ their 
next meal in t’other world. But I hadn’t quite done wid 
this world yit, so I tucked in the grub. Wreckin’ seemed 
ruther serious bizness to them wimmin, an’ they wuz bent 
on coaxin’ the Lord to save um. But I knowed the Lord 
had other fish to fry, for I’d seed it tried on ’fore then, 
an’ no good cum uv it. 

“ I took possession uv the Earl’s stateroom, — the after 
bunk uv all, — wrung out my clothes, an’ saved the wet 
’baccy in my pocket, which wuz all turned to leaf agin. 
Then Bob Howland turned in an’ slept till mornin’. My 
notion was, ef I’d gut to be drownded, the sea-spooks 
needn’t be partic’lar ’bout wakin’ me up to do ’t. ’Cause 
I knowed where I’s booked fur, an’ thought I’d wake up 
when the little imps uv Satan wuz dryin’ my clothes. 

“ The sun came out bright next day, an’ the wind set- 
tled inter a clear westerly gale. I set to work an’ spliced 
the Earl’s arm the best I could, an’ rigged up a scotch- 
man to support it. The old gent was cool ez a cowcumber, 
an’ helped the new surgeon to do it. Several times dur- 
ing the day I paddled round to the gangway on the cabin 
table, an’ went on deck to survey the prospec’. The ship 
still held hard an’ fast where she struck. ’Tween her 
an’ the rocky island rolled the heaviest surf on the 
Pratas. It wuz possible for a raft to reach the leeward 
rocks, but not even a South-Sea islander could surmount 
the breakers an’ reach the wreck. 

“ I counted eight uv the wrecked crew on the rocks, 


332 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


gathered round a big fire made uv drift wood. They 
had h’isted a shirt half-mast on a pole, ez a signal uv 
distress, to attract any passin’ vessel. The poor fellers 
wuz starvin’. We had plenty uv food in the pantry for 
present use, an’ I had coaxed the passingers to take 
refreshments now an’ then, where they lay. But we had 
nuthin’ to spare for the men on the rocks. 

“The Greyhound continued to break up for’ard, grind- 
in’ off her bow ’mong the rocks ; an’ ’fore the gale blew 
over, she heeled a-starboard an’ settled down still more 
by the head, liftin’ her stern so high out uv water that 
the cabin floor wuz left dry ; though tipped for’ard at 
such a awk’ard pitch that the wimrnin couldn’t climb up 
to their berths widout help. They spent part uv the day 
down in the Earl’s room, while I wuz on deck prospectin’. 

“ When the gale blowed out, the surf ceased to break 
over the quarter; though two-thirds uv the ship wuz 
still under water. Ez the weather gut better, I fixed 
things in place ; lashed the table, chists an’ cheers, an’ 
made all snug for housekeepin’. The ship’s hold wuz 
full uv water. The main hatch had burst off, an’ two 
casks uv bread wuz floatin’ round ’tween the combings. 
My heart beat a tattoo when I seed ’em. We needed 
one, an’ the shore folks might be saved wid the other. 

“The mizzen tops’il halyards wuz washin’ ’bout the 
lee quarter, with the lower block hooked to an eye-bolt 
in the waterway. I pulled um aboard, an’ rigged the 
tackle to the mizzen top. Then I gut a parbuckle round 
one uv the casks uv pilot-bread, an’ wid the help uv the 
wimrnin I drew it up to the after hatchway, an’ lowered 
it inter the steerage for cabin stores. The other cask I 


GOING ASHORE ON A RAFT. 


333 


gut out an’ drifted ashore, for the starvin’ crew ; an’ they 
danced an’ swung their hats arter they secured it. 

“ Arter weeks uv labor an’ much hard tuggin’, I com- 
pleted a small raft frum planks an’ stuns’il booms. At 
the end of a month’s work it wuz re’dy to launch, an’ we 
could take our chances uv driftin’ ashore. But the Earl 
wuz still sick in his bunk, an’ the wimmin wouldn’t leave 
him. So, ez the grub wuz gettin’ moughty scarse, I teld 
em I must go ashore. I explained that bein’ a carpenter 
I could p’r’aps rig up a boat an’ go for help. They seed 
how it wuz, an’ arter sum protests an’ snivelin’ they 
’greed to it, though they didn’t seem to like keepin’ 
house widout a skipper. 

“ Waitin’ for a calm day, I bid good-by to the folks, 
an’ shoved off frum the wreck. My clumsy craft wuz 
hard to manage, an’ soon dropped astarn, down the back 
uv a breaker inter the trough. The next comber rolled 
over the raft an’ sent me hummin’ like a top. I swallered 
’bout a barrel uv water, an’ fore I could unload the pesky 
stuff a big shark made a grab at my legs, took a piece 
uv my trowsers, an’ nearly sp’iled my sea-goin’ quality. 
My raft an’ I gut ashore, but it rolled over a dozen times 
in the passage, an’ I wuz badly smashed on the rocks in 
landin’. The crew on the rocks was livin’ on rats an’ 
lizards, an’ they blamed me for not driftin’ ashore more 
bread frum the wreck. 

“ What happened on the Greyhound arter I left, I 
can’t tell. Long fust of’t, the gals run the signal up an’ 
down at the peak, ez I teld ’em. But arter a while the 
signals ceased, an’ the flag wuz left at the gaff till it 
blew to tatters. We worked away many weeks at the 


334 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


broken boat, for, havin’ nothin’ to work with, the repairin’ 
went on slowly. 

“ Two weeks ago we caught a big ground shark, wid 
nine rows uv teeth, an’ a mouth large ’nough to gulp 
down a man. We found in his stomach part uv one 
gal’s body, an’ the arm uv t’other one. The arm uv the 
Earl’s daughter wuz bit off at the elbow, an’ had a 
diamond bracelet on it, marked wid the leddy’s name. 
It was cur’ous how the shark got at them gals. Likely 
they tumbled inter the open scuttle in the cabin floor, 
where I caught my fish, an’ now an’ then hooked up 
some uv the cabin stores. 

“ With the help of the crew I gut the boat re’dy at 
last, and started for Hong Kong. When I left Pratas 
four days ago, the Greyhound remained fast in her rocky 
moorings. She’ll break up sometime, an’ what’s left uv 
her cargo will drift away. There’d been no signs of life 
aboard uv her for many weeks. We knowed that two uv 
her passengers wuz dead for sartin, an’ we calkerlated 
that the old Earl wuz starved long ago. 

“ That’s all I can tell yer ’bout ’em, Cap’n, an’ Bob 
Howland duzn’t think it’s wuth while to tinker ’round 
that old wreck, for it’s all gammon ’bout there being a 
live thing aboard uv her.” 

For some minutes the three men remained silent as the 
grave ; then Forbes broke the agonizing spell by asking, — 

“Would you like to ask Howland any more questions, 
Captain Lawrence ? ” 

“ No, thank you. This man’s inhumanity has shocked 
me. It was a foul wrong to leave those helpless people 
on the wreck, and it has probably ended as he says. 


STEAMING FOIl PRATAS. 


335 


But of course you will go back to the wrecked crew ; 
and I shall find a way to get to the wreck if I live.” 

Howland made an attempt to defend his doings, but 
Lawrence frowned upon him, and made an indignant 
gesture for him to be gone. 

“Certainly, I shall go back to the island,” replied 
Forbes, “ we are steaming back now at top speed. — 
Nothing more now, Mr. Howland. Go up and ask the 
lieutenant to assign you quarters in the ward room.” 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


THE PRATAS SHOAL. 


HE moment Howland left the cabin, Captain Forbes 



came across and grasped Lawrence’s hand with a 
generous outburst of brotherly love. With tears stream- 
ing down his cheeks, he sought to show his sympathy, 
and in some measure to assuage the terrible grief-shock 
which had fallen upon his guest. 

“ I know that words can do little to appease your sor- 
row, but I cannot leave you in doubt that my heart aches 
for you at this irreparable loss. I do not see how I can 
be of use to you in this matter; but, to show my good 
will, I hereby put myself at your command, and I know 
your good friend the Admiral will bear me out in so 
doing.” 

“God bless you, Forbes ! for your sympathy and this 
generous offer of services. I don’t know what I want 
just yet. I can never endure the sight of that man 
again ; the thought of him makes me frantic.” 

“I join with you in condemning Howland’s brutality, 
in abandoning those helpless creatures to save his own 
worthless life. He is an exceptional sailor, for there is 
not one in a thousand so heartless.” 

“ What is your present plan of action ? ” 

“ I hardly know, beyond running in to the island and 
taking off the mem If the night holds clear we shall be 


336 


HOW TO REACH THE WRECK. 


337 


near the Pratas by morning, where we can find passable 
anchorage at this season of the year in the lagoon. Then 
we must make our plans to reach the wreck the best we 
can. I should like to hear any suggestions you wish to 
make. Your experience has been so varied that you 
will be more apt to hit upon a feasible plan than I 
shall.” 

“It is impossible, I suppose, to think of heading a 
boat into such a surf as Howland describes, between the 
wreck and island ; and I know from my own remem- 
brance that he does not exaggerate much, if any. Nothing 
can be done with boats in any direction, especially such 
boats as the Barracuda has ; and, even with whaleboats, 
the best in the world for the purpose, I should rather 
take the chance from the windward than from the 
island side.” 

“But,” queried Forbes, “the wreck lies five miles away 
from the northern edge of the reef. I question if the 
best boat ever built can run over such a long line of 
breakers.” 

“ True, it is dangerous and difficult ; but it must be 
done, and it lies with us to choose the best plan.” 

“ But, Captain, is any plan possible ? ” 

“ That remains to be tested. If no better method 
offers, I shall attempt it on a surfboard,” persisted the 
indomitable Lawrence. 

“ Have you had experience with that kind of craft ? ” 

“ Only for the fun of the thing, in the much smaller 
surf at Hawaii. But the plan grows quickly upon me, 
and I have already made up my mind to undertake it. 
I think I will succeed.” 


838 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

“It seems to me like throwing away your life,' to un- 
dertake such a project.” 

“But this plan will involve no other life but mine. I 
think it feasible, and have fully made up my mind to 
undertake it. Will you let the ship’s carpenter work 
me out a surfboard from one of his widest pine planks ; 
sharp at both ends and brought to thin edges on the 
sides ? ” 

“Certainly. But hadn’t you better make your draft 
of what you require, before I call him down. A thing 
which a man means to risk his life upon, requires his 
best thought in planning, as well as skill in construc- 
tion.” 

“True, but my best thoughts always come first, and 
subsequent ones are usually of secondary value. Other 
plans crowd upon my mind, but none seem so manageable. 
A raft built upon four empty casks would ride the surf, 
but cannot be guided or kept upon the crest of the 
roller. A surfboard can be deviated considerably from 
a right line of sailing, although one rides all the distance 
upon one roller.” 

“ It will be the most perilous undertaking I ever wit- 
nessed. We have a Kanaka on board; don’t they make 
use of the undertow to swim under such surf as lies be- 
tween the island and the wreck ? ” 

“Yes, but that is not feasible in this case, for the 
bottom is full of projecting rocks. A surf-swimmer 
must have sand or pebble bottom to make use of the 
undertow. I have practiced surf-riding enough to know 
that it only requires courage and confidence, a quick eye 
and a steady hand to execute the wants of the moment.’’ 


IF SHE IS SPARED TO ME. 


839 


“God grant that you may succeed. One who even 
dares such an undertaking starts with the best elements 
of success ; but I shudder at the peril you will encounter. 
Suppose you live to reach the wreck, how can you ever 
get any one ashore on a surfboard ? ” 

“ Ah ! my dear Forbes, if she were only alive upon 
that wreck, I would build her a bridge of gold upon 
which to walk dry -footed to the land. But if Lady Sey- 
mour is dead, as we suppose, it is a matter of no impor- 
tance whether I remain upon the wreck, or drown in 
some futile attempt to pass to the shore.” 

“What signals shall we agree upon if you find any one 
alive ? ” continued Forbes, keeping to the practical side 
of the question. 

“ I will hoist some simple signal to announce my safe 
arrival, if I am not wounded when thrown upon the 
wreck. If the Earl is alive, I will hoist two signals. 
And — dare I say more — if by any possibility that 
dearer one is spared to me, 0 Almighty Father! you 
will know it, Forbes, unquestionably, by the signals I 
will make.” 

“I hope in Heaven’s name you. may succeed in reach- 
ing the wreck ; it will be such a satisfaction to stand 
where she has stood, and bring away something of hers 
to pleasure your memory throughout life. But hope of 
finding any one alive, especially her, is something you 
must not build upon ; unless you would add another 
wreck to that now lying on the Pratas. Let us hope 
that fellow Howland has made the whole matter worse 
than it is, to deter our searching the wreck.” 

“ God bless you for that thought, Forbes ! It is an 


840 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


idea of mine own, but I dared not give it voice. 
Here is my draught for the surfboard ; will you permit 
the steward to call down the carpenter ? ” 

“ Steward ! send Chips down, at once.” 

“Ay, ay, sir!” 

When the carpenter presented himself, Lawrence ex- 
plained his draught of a large sized surfboard. Chips was 
ordered to make the little craft as buoyant as possible. 
This could be done by boring numerous auger-holes from 
side to side, along two-thirds of its length, forward ; 
the holes were to be plugged up at the ends, leaving so 
many small air-chambers to elevate the front end of the 
float. It was believed that this method of buoyance 
Vould make a craft equal to a native surfboard made 
from the cabbage tree. 

The carpenter was an ingenious man, and took in the 
whole conception at a glance. He had some seasoned 
white-pine plank of the desired thickness, of four inches, 
and any length required ; so the work was begun at 
once. 

One other thoughtful suggestion was made by which 
to provision the tiny craft. Four of the more central 
air chambers were fitted with cork stoppers, wherein 
were to be stored brandy, wine, water, and provision. 
Hope beckets were secured to the bow and stern, and 
two upon each side of the body of the surfboard, by 
which to hold on or secure anything. 

A light, strong, two-bladed paddle was made from the 
loom of a large oar ; which, together with the surfboard, 
was to be well varnished with two coats of shellac, and 
thoroughly dried in the engine-room. 


DISCOVER THE WRECK. 


341 


The carpenter and one of his gang left their repairs 
upon the shot-holes made by the pirate, and went at 
the little Prata — as the new craft was christened — 
with such good will that the whole thing was completed 
by night ; and before morning the two coats of shellac- 
varnish were well dried. When put overboard by a 
tow-rope, while the steamer lay-to waiting for daylight, 
the Prata was found to float as light as a cork, with the 
forward end reared wholly out of water by its numerous 
air-chambers. This was as it should be, so the craft 
could not plunge under and slip away from its occupant 
in the wild fury of the surf. . 

Morning found the Barracuda off the southwest point 
of the Pratas Shoal ; the small rocky island being about 
four miles away, around the south point of the breakers. 
Lawrence and Captain Porbes took the spy-glasses and 
mounted aloft into the mizzen-top to make their obser- 
vations, while the steamer ran into her anchorage. 

The Greyhound was discovered in the exact position 
described by Howland, pitched head-foremost at an 
angle of twenty degrees. The ship’s bows were wholly 
submerged, showing only a few feet of the broken fore- 
mast and the bowsprit-cap occasionally in the deep 
hollow of the breakers. The stern was elevated so high 
out of water that the stern-post and heel of the rudder 
were left bare in the trough of the rollers, which also 
disclosed the cradle of black rocks in which the ship was 
embedded. The conformation of these rocks was such 
that the wreck was somewhat careened to the northward. 
This heeled condition left the deck fairly open to the 
inrolling surf, which dashed in on deck and ran aft as 


342 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


high as the booby hatch ; while only the highest breakers 
reached the cabin gangway. 

The mizzen-mast was the only whole spar that remained 
standing; this was unharmed to its top, the shrouds 
being still left intact. The spanker boom was gone, but 
the gaff and spanker remained, the only sail left on the 
ship. The splintered stump of the mainmast was visible 
twenty feet above the seething foam. Beyond this, the 
quarter-deck was swept clear of everything but the cap- 
stan, hurricane-house, companion-way, binnacle, and 
broken wheel ; the latter being kept in constant action 
by the tops of the breakers, which struck against the 
lower part of the rudder. 

The bare stanchions, everywhere forward of the mizzen 
rigging, were wholly bereft of main-rail and bulwarks, 
and where their tops were seen emerging from the foam- 
ing waters they seemed verily like the uplifted arms of 
drowning men appealing for aid. It was truly a desolate 
picture of a once strong and beautiful ship that had 
succumbed after a desperate battle against wind and 
waves. 

Long and earnestly the two captains in the Barracuda’s 
mizzen-top examined the wreck, directing their glasses 
everywhere with closest scrutiny, without discovering 
the least intimation of life anywhere. Both men shrunk 
from giving voice to the utter hopelessness Instilled into 
the mind of each. 

Lawrence was the first to give vent to a sad, heart- 
breaking sigh ; a burdensome effort of nature in distress, 
as ominous to the friendly ear as the last gasp of the 
dying. Forbes could withhold his pent-up words of con- 


SOLITARY AS A GRAVEYARD. 


343 


solation no longer. The two men withdrew their tele- 
scopes and looked solemnly into each other’s faces, the 
fast gathering tears flowing from their eyes, and their 
voices choked with emotion ; from contemplating such a 
cruel death for the grand old Earl and his beautiful 
daughter. Forbes was the first to speak, — 

“ Captain Lawrence, I wish I could see the faintest 
ray of hope to impart to you. It is even worse than 
Howland represented. It is utterly impossible to reach 
the wreck. And, if you could, you would find but a 
charnel-house robbed of its dead.” 

“Yes, it is as solitary as a graveyard aboard there. 
But if God spares my life I will devote the last remnant 
of existence in trying to reach the wreck, and learn the 
worst.” 

“ How can you cast away your life in such a hopeless 
endeavor ? ” 

“Forbes, I have such, an unutterable longing to secure 
something that once belonged to her that it has now 
become my only object in life.” 

“But, my dear fellow, your sea experience should 
teach you the impossibility of reaching the wreck, out 
in the midst of such a stupendous surf.” 

“It may be so. But my experience has taught me, 

‘ Where there’s a will there’s a way.’ So you must not 
dissuade me from trying. At present, I am confronted 
with something worse than those breakers. Tell me, if 
you know, how can I ever be reconciled to this cruel 
disaster, which you term the Providence of God ? 
Think of such a prolonged torture being inflicted upon 
the brightest and best of God’s handiwork.” 


344 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ She was indeed all you claim for her, — much too 
good for human affection. But the Divine hand has 
taken her home, and it is not for us to rebel.” 

“ I tell you, Forbes, that this life is but a curse at the 
best. It grows a cruel mystery to me the longer I live. 
Two such noble women as I have seen snatched from 
existence by twin horrors : yonder wreck and the explo- 
sion of the Arsi.” 

“ I admit that it is a cruel fate, very hard to endure ; 
but the Father’s ways are not our ways, and we must 
submit with the best grace we can, knowing that in 
some unforeseen way the worst that can happen is for 
the best.” 

“Ah, Forbes, you cannot put yourself into my place, 
nor conceive what I suffer. I beg of you, dear friend, 
don’t torture a half-crazed man into expressions of 
impatience or impiety by thrusting a single impediment 
in the way of my going to that wreck ; for go I must 
and will, if all the world says nay.” 

“ Captain, I feel for you more than you know, and I 
will endeavor to be patient and helpful as I would be to 
a brother.” And the warm-hearted seaman caught Law- 
rence’s hand, and held it fast in his own. 

“ Another favor I have to ask. When we go down to 
the cabin, prompt me to leave in your possession a 
package of valuables for my home friends. Forward 
it as directed by some safe method, without regard to 
expense.” 

“ I will fulfil your every wish, my dear fellow.” 

“And, Forbes, if there is one spark of human sym- 
pathy left in your heart, do not permit a single effort to 


HIS GRIEF-LADEN SOUL. 


845 


be made in saving me should I not come ashore volun- 
tarily. I feel now like cursing life and all its incentives 
to goodness, as so many snares to entice us into ambi- 
tious hopes that are never fulfilled.” 

“Why, Lawrence, you are the last person to rail in 
that fashion. Few men have accomplished so much at 
your age.” 

“ True, I have had my proud triumphs, as you know. 
But, Forbes, all the rectitude which we call goodness, 
together with the social glitter imposed upon us by our 
successes, — which we misname happiness, — are as one 
shining grain of seashore sand compared to this day’s 
sufferings.” 

“ Forbear, forbear, my dear fellow. It is not best to 
nurse our grief in this manner.” 

“You argue like one floating on a tranquil sea. Like 
one who willfully shuts his eyes to the necessity of vol- 
canic outlets, as a means of saving the original woof and 
warp of life. I have cultivated wisdom and virtue, and 
they have become as serpents in my path. I have 
sought to endow myself with noble qualities, yet this 
one day’s torture has sufficed to belittle me in my own 
esteem past the wish to live.” 

“ Oh, Captain, do try to calm yourself. You make my 
heart ache as if your grief were my own.” 

“I pray the overruling power that such grief may 
never be entailed upon another. Learn from my expe- 
rience, Forbes, never to burden your lips with a prayer 
for life. Had I gone up in the explosion of the Arsi 
with Aloata, as she wished, what a hell of seething 
torture I should have escaped. Now there is no place 


346 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


but tlie bottom of the sea for me, for no wing power in 
all the spirit land could lift my grief-laden soul from the 
earth.” 

“ I will not chide you, Captain, as I am tempted to 
do, for harboring such bitterness in this sad hour. 
Neither do I believe that the heavenly Father will cut 
you off from his undying love, though you doubt and 
revile the justice and mercy of his divine Providence in 
the lives of men.” 

“You are kinder to me than I wish and deserve, for I 
am in the mood to covet the worst fate that can befall 
me.” 

“One word more, my good fellow. I would drop a 
little seed for fruitage into your lacerated heart, because 
of its ethereal beauty and the peaceful calm which 
sometimes grows out of it.” With a look of almost 
fierceness shadowing his woe-begone face, Lawrence 
lifted his bloodshot eyes from the wreck to the sympa- 
thetic face of his companion, wondering what possible 
panacea could be in store for his bereavement. “Do 
you not know, dear friend, that such an ethereal spirit 
as Lady Seymour’s would not harbor for an instant 
about yonder wreck ? And where she is not, even in 
spirit, you would not wish to remain.” 

“ Thank you for that precious thought, Captain. But 
there is another construction to put upon such a death 
scene, another aspect which fascinates me with yonder 
wreck. The place where such as she has lingered, 
suffered, and died, can never again be wholly devoid of 
the sweet presence of the departed.” 

“ Tell me more clearly what you have in mind ? ” 


HIS VISION OF LUCIA. 


347 


“ Well, admitting that Lady Seymour is dead and her 
spiritual essence has winged heavenward to its Maker, 
there to be recognized by the Father and embodied in 
the heavenly choir j yet, as true as I breathe and have 
the intelligence to know what I see, I behold her precious 
image in yonder surf-washed cabin at this moment. I 
pierce the deck-planking of the stranded ship as ’twere 
a flimsy veil, and see my Lucia everywhere ; standing, 
sitting, kneeling in prayer ; a pale, poor semblance of my 
darling ; but, oh, a sufficient embodiment of Lady Lucia 
to draw me through fire and water to her side.” 

“ Dear friend ! I fear your brain has been overtaxed. 
Such deluffions show that your reason has become 
unlimbered.” 

“Forbes, you have never loved and lost the best which 
the world contained j so I forgive you for the doubt you 
cast upon my mental balance. But, with the clearest 
reason that ever illuminated my brain, I know I shall find 
yonder cabin permeated with Lucia’s latest thoughts of 
me. They have peopled that sacred wreck as no place 
else can ever be pervaded by her I so love, so revere ! 
So I hold to my purpose of searching that wreck at any 
cost. And, feeling as I now do, I shall abide there while 
life lasts.” 

“My dear fellow, do not fear that I shall do anything 
to obstruct your wishes. I know how real your grief is, 
and the value of the treasure that you have lost. Not 
a word more will I say to dissuade you from a task so 
sacred ; for I am strongly impressed that you will yet 
find a new light, a new revelation, if you seek it honestly 
and prayerfully, as I know you will. The steamer is 


348 


THE WliECK OF THE GKEY HOUND. 


just ready to anchor. Let us go down and be ready to 
land.” 

Ten minutes later, the vessel bad anchored, and the 
two captains were seated in the boat, on their way to the 
shore. A desolate-looking heap of rocks lay before 
them, without a semblance of vegetation to cheer the 
barren island. The wrecked men were eagerly awaiting 
the coming boat, with pinched, starved faces, which 
doubled their ghastliness by every attempt at joyous 
expressions, for every fiber of the laughter-muscles was 
obliterated. 

Captain Loyal and his boatswain came forward to 
greet the captains as they landed. Recognizing Law- 
rence, the unfortunate captain of the Greyhound sprang 
forward and wrung his hand with a true seaman’s sympa- 
thy, and at once sought to exonerate himself from blame 
in the loss of his ship and passengers. 

“ Thank God ! Captain Lawrence, it was by no fault 
of mine that I am here, and your dear ones are dead ; 
else I could not meet you face to face, of all living men.” 

“ I know it, Royal. I believe it in my inmost heart. 
Your mate, Howland, has told us the whole story in 
detail. You could not have done otherwise. Except, 
perhaps, you ought not to have sailed when a typhoon 
was brewing. But I have not a word to say now on that 
point.” 

“ I thank you for your frankness ; for, crushed as I 
already am, an ill word from you, who are so capable 
of judging, would kill me as sure as fate.” 

“Say no more, my good fellow, but let us come to 
another point at once, which is all-important with me. 


LANDING ON PRATAS. 


349 


Is there -any chance of reaching the wreck from this 
direction ? ” 

“Not the remotest. We lost three prime swimmers 
in trying to swim by the undertow/’ 

“ Can a boat live to ride down the long line of rollers 
to windward ? ” 

“ Not the best boat ever built ! But you know more 
about boats and surf than I can tell you ; for a whaler is 
the most practical boatman in the world.” 

“ Is there no other way you can think of ? ” 

“None whatever. Men dependent for months upon 
catching fish, rats, and birds, without proper appliances, 
when driven to eating seaweed in their extremity for 
food, have their wits sharpened by necessity ; and none 
of us have yet conceived a way of reaching the old 
Greyhound.” 

“ But she must be reached, and I am ready for any 
one’s suggestions before trying my own plan.” 

“ To any one else than you, Captain Lawrence, I would 
affirm that it is not worth the peril of trying. But to 
you — knowing your heart as I do — I say count on me 
for any plan or project you decide upon. As I will go 
where you lead, should it cost me my life.” 

“Thanks, Koyal, I relish your robust sympathy, as a 
starving man clutches at food. But I shall call upon no 
one to risk anything for me. I am the one most 
personally interested in reaching the wreck, and I 
haven’t the remotest doubt but I shall accomplish it.” 

“ How under heavens can you do it ? ” 

“I have a number of feasible plans, but shall first 
undertake the one requiring no man’s aid. How far do 


850 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

you estimate it is to the northern reef-edge, in the direct 
line of the surf ? ” 

“Five miles of furious, unbroken breakers; the 
largest surf that the world ever saw.” 

“ That was about the estimate we made as we ran in 
with the steamer. — Have you time, Captain Forbes, to 
walk across to the point nearest the wreck, that I may 
examine for a landing ? ” 

“ Oh, yes, take all the time you require, I’m at your 
service in this matter of reaching the wreck. First, I 
will send aboard the wrecked men, and then be at your 
command. Captain Royal, will you board the vessel 
now, or stay with us ? ” 

“ I’ll wait and return with you. Though I am hungry 
and cold, I may be of use in this matter, as I have 
studied the surf and sought the safest landing-place, 
which is dangerous at the best.” 

The three captains picked their way across the jagged 
rocks to the northern shore to examine what Royal 
designated as the best landing-place. It was a rough 
place, hideous with black, sharp rocks, that seemed 
especially adapted for piercing the bottom of ship or 
boat. As nothing like a suitable landing could be found, 
Lawrence suggested that an incline of planks could be 
built out over the jutting rock-points, and a signal-post 
erected to guide any one coming from the wreck ; as it 
was evident to all that a boat coming in on the top of a 
thirty-foot surf would be thrown with great force upon 
the shore. 

Captain Forbes acquiesced in all Lawrence’s sugges- 
tions. When the boat was seen returning for them, they 


A PRECIOUS RELIC. 


851 


walked back to the southern shore of the lagoon, which 
made up some distance into the mass of rocks. After 
they arrived on board the Barracuda, Lawrence busied 
himself in making his final preparations for the morrow. 

During the evening Captain Boyal gave his version of 
the typhoon, and the manner in which the ship was 
wrecked. Before retiring for the night, he gave Law- 
rence the costly bracelet found upon Lady Seymour’s 
arm. This precious relic again affected the lover with 
the mingled bitterness and grief which had so greatly 
agitated him in the morning. 


CHAPTER XXX. 


VOYAGE ON A SURFBOARD. 

A T the earliest dawn, the boatswain’s whistle was 
heard resounding through the steamer, calling out 
all hands to weigh anchor and steam around the Pratas 
to the north. A full head of steam had been got up 
long before daylight, as Captain Forbes wished to spend 
the whole day searching out the most suitable position 
for Lawrence to start upon his perilous adventure. 

Five miles of gigantic surf was but one of the many 
difficulties which Lawrence had to contend with. The 
breakers ran across the reef-bed from north to south, 
passing through numerous clusters of jutting rocks 
which would greatly imperil the voyager. Yet the most 
uncertain element that he had to surmount was a strong 
westerly current which ran across the shoal at right 
angles to the breakers, and would bear his surfboard he 
knew not where. But for this treacherous drift, Law- 
rence could embark with the Greyhound bearing south, 
and the direct flow of the surf would take him to his 
destination. Just how much the current would carry 
him from his true course remained to be tested. 

The courage and resolution displayed in this danger- 
ous undertaking created an intense interest throughout 
the ship. So infectious is such unaffected daring in one 
of known courage and prudence that several of the 

352 


TESTING THE CURRENT. 


353 


officers and many of the crew came to believe that the 
hero would accomplish the task, from sheer force of 
will-power, and an unusual skill to manage everything 
that he undertook. This subtle influence over the minds 
of men bespeaks an element of success wherever found 
in human enterprise. 

After a night of restful sleep, Lawrence was aroused 
by the boats’wain’s pipe. When he awoke, he devoted 
a few minutes to prayer, before he set himself to pre- 
pare for the task of the day ; he dressed in loose knit 
drawers and undershirt, with cloth sandals for his feet, 
and a well-padded Scotch cap upon his head. The leather 
belt about his waist contained two sheath-knives, one 
for each hand, to defend himself from sharks j for the 
Pratas is famous for these ravenous monsters, some of 
which are as big as a small whale. 

By the time he had provisioned his surfboard, and 
otherwise prepared himself for his novel voyage, the 
steamer had skirted the treacherous reef and lay-to 
awaiting further instructions from the master-spirit of 
the hour. When he appeared on deck, Captains Forbes 
and Royal were standing with glasses in hand, looking 
with dismay upon the long line of unbroken breakers 
which rolled with indescribable fury in the direction of 
the wreck, then dimly visible through the mist of spray 
thrown off by the sea-tops. 

After a cordial greeting between the three Captains, 
Forbes asked Lawrence what further commands he had 
to give, saying, — 

“ Here we are directly in the line of the wreck. How 
does the position suit you ? ” 


854 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“That must be determined by floating some casks 
over the breakers, by which to learn the strength of the 
current.” 

“ The wreck now bears due south. Shall we send off a 
cask from here ; or steam ahead, more to the eastward ? ” 

“Throw one overboard here, and then steam ahead 
and drop over another with the wreck bearing south by 
west and still another at south- southwest. One of the 
three will probably give me the right starting-point.” 

“ All right. Mr. Ringold, order away the first cutter, 
and tow one of the casks into the edge of the breakers. 
Then send Mr. Black to the mast-head to report what the 
western drift is, and on which side of the wreck the 
cask goes.” 

“ Yes, sir, — Boson ! pipe away the first cutter, to take 
a cask in tow. Send it as near in to the shoal as a boat 
can safely pull.” 

When the cutter returned, it was taken in tow, while 
the vessel steamed to the east till the wreck bore right 
to set another cask adrift ; and so on with the third cask. 
This experiment proved of value, for it soon became evi- 
dent that the set across the Pratas was much stronger 
than had been supposed. The first three casks were all 
carried wide of the mark, and passed to the west of the 
wreck. Again the experiment was made with the Grey- 
hound bearing southwest. This position proved to be 
about right, as the point of departure for casks. 

It still remained a nice point to decide just where 
Lawrence should start from. Por the casks were exposed 
forty-five minutes to the current while going to the 
wreck 5 as they were delayed when dropped from one 


GOING TO CERTAIN DEATH. 


355 


roller before being picked up by another. While the 
surfboard should not exceed half an hour in making the 
passage, as Lawrence would be compelled to stick to the 
one breaker on which he embarked. Thus he would be 
exposed to the western drift fifteen minutes less time 
than the casks. 

Acting upon these calculations, the Barracuda was 
steamed back to the west, until the wreck bore southwest 
by south. Then the cutter was hauled to the gangway, 
and, after shaking hands with the officers and receiving 
an affectionate good-by from the Captains, Lawrence 
sprang nimbly down the side of the vessel and took his 
seat in the boat. Going to certain death, as all feared, 
without showing a particle of hesitation in look or tone. 

Lieutenant Kingold kindly took charge of the boat 
which bore Lawrence to the verge of the surf. The 
jaunty little Prata was taken in tow, and she frisked 
about at her tow-line like a lambkin at play. Lawrence 
was in the best of spirits, and expressed himself highly 
gratified with his buoyant craft, and the fair prospect of 
reaching the Greyhound. But for his joyous mood, the 
pull to the reef would have been a funeral procession ; 
for the lieutenant was sad and silent, and the crew were 
awed at the sublime courage displayed by the hero. 

Captains Porbes and Boyal took their spy-glasses and 
climbed to the mizzen-top, neither having any doubt but 
they were to witness some sad disaster to their compan- 
ion. The forward masts soon became crowded with the 
ship’s people, all eager to watch this novel and daring 
piece of boat-work. A momentous contest between old 
Ocean at his grandest, and pygmy man single-handed ; 


356 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


wherein the prize was Life or Death — and twenty to 
one were wagered on the breakers, by the dismayed au- 
dience. 

When the cutter had approached the great roaring 
surf as near as Ringold deemed prudent, the boat’s way 
was checked by the oars, and the skittish little Prata was 
hauled alongside and steadied, while Lawrence embarked 
for the first trial of his pet craft. The surfboard proved 
as tottlish as a toy skiff, and required the utmost care 
while assuming a recumbent position on her deck. 

But, when once fairly in possession of the unsteady 
thing, Lawrence was enabled to mount upon his knees 
or lie prone at his pleasure. After a little practice, he 
became expert in adapting himself to the desired posi- 
tion, seeking to trim the craft so that she would run 
nose out, and prevent burying. When a trifle by the 
stern, either a sled or a boat is most easily guided. 

At length, with paddle in hand, he was ready to start. 
Exchanging the “ lion’s grip ” of the hand with Bingold, 
amidst the fervent good-bys and God bless you from 
the crew, Lawrence shoved off, touched the water experi- 
mentally with the alternate blades of his slender, double- 
bladed oar, and spun the little Prata swiftly toward the 
mighty surf. 

When quite near the reef, a single back stroke brought 
the frail craft to a stand, just where old Ocean began to 
ruffle himself into evident anger at finding a rocky 
obstruction athwart his path. There Lawrence remained 
just without the breakers, calmly waiting for three of 
the largest embryo combers to form, and carry him to 
victory or death. He had not long to wait. A dozen 


ON THE MIGHTIEST SURF-TOP. 


857 


inferior undulations passed, rose into thirty-foot rollers, 
and went on their way. 

Then came three ominous-looking swells rolling in 
upon him, monsters that began to hump up their backs 
even before they touched the sunken edge of the reef. 
When the foremost swell reached the Prata, she started 
like a spurred courser. A double stroke of the paddle 
was sufficient hint to the alert craft. She clung to the 
uprising top of the undulation as a romping child clings 
to its parent, and was carried forward with the wave as 
it rose higher and higher, rolling upward and onward 
into a gigantic foam crest nearly forty feet high. 

A long wild cheer came sweeping down over the inter- 
vening sea from the steamer’s crew, which could not fail 
to lighten the brave heart on the flying surfboard, 
though his attention was too much occupied to respond. 
Only for a minute could the friendly shouts be heard by 
the fast receding recipient, for the commingled noise of 
many breakers was enough to drown a cannon’s roar. 

Lawrence soon acquired the position he sought on the 
dizzy surf-top of the mightiest comber of the far-famed 
Pratas Shoal. There he tossed and tumbled like a wind- 
blown bubble, yet skillfully held his tiny surfboard upon 
the downward curve of the foam crest. This required 
his constant watchfulness, and an occasional quick 
paddle-stroke on one side or the other, to keep the shy- 
ing craft from evading the forward pitch of the hissing, 
seething surf. 

One trembles while contemplating the impunity of 
man when thus bearding old Ocean’s most relentless surf 
in his grandest lair, where the countless wrecks evince 


358 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


that his power for harm is as destructive as an earth- 
quake. When the onlookers aboard the steamer wit- 
nessed the peril which their companion had successfully 
encountered, the hand of God seemed to be in it, and 
they held their breath in suspense, so awed that respira- 
tion seemed a forgotten function. No wonder that the 
monsoon breezes became vibrant with inarticulate 
prayers for his safety, — prayers from weather-worn lips 
that had never trembled with invocations before. 

Thus onward and upward rolled the colossal breaker 
which bore the Prata, ever increasing its height and 
quickening its speed, and never for an instant lowering 
its haughty front of boiling foam. Never since the 
world began was man placed in peril more grand and 
unique, where a brave heart could not fail to exult till 
naught but his garment’s hem seemed linked to the 
racing seas or the habitable earth. 

Fifteen minutes had passed in this wild Mazeppa ride, 
and the distance was half run. Gaining confidence in 
the management of his frail craft, though it seemed but 
. a sea-washed bubble beneath his breast, — Lawrence 
ventured to look back towards the far-away vessel, seek- 
ing to estimate his position. A swift, brief glance was 
all he could give, as a swooping eagle turns his royal 
eyes to the sun. But one look sufficed to create dismay, 
for he discovered that the Prata was being swept to the 
westward of the wreck, which could then be seen far 
down over the snowy manes of the loping water steeds 
before him. 

Now came the most consummate test of a boatman’s 
skill. A perilous task wherein courage needs to be 


THE PEKILOUS MOMENT. 


359 


wrought to a white heat, and neither eye nor hand must 
fail at the peril of life. The surfboard must not only be 
checked in her western drift, but she must also be liter- 
ally swerved to the eastward. Time was brief ; but it 
must be done, and done quickly, or the little Prata 
would be carried past the wreck, and the perilous effort 
have to be renewed. A trifle too much deviation across 
the forefront of the mad breaker and the furious surf 
would whirl the surfboard over and over, as a feather 
travels in a whirlwind. 

With his keen eye alert to avoid upsetting, and his 
bold hand venturing to the utmost limit of peril in the 
artful use of his paddle-blade, Lawrence cunningly en- 
tered upon his dangerous task with the utmost nicety of 
perception. The supreme need of the moment was a 
clawing side-stroke aport, to steadily claw along the 
front of the breaker, sideways, to the east. This, with 
an occasional swift impelling stroke of the starboard 
blade, to hold the sidling craft upon the forward curve 
of the comber, was deemed work for an expert, on surf 
with half the grandeur and might of that described. 

After ten minutes’ stupendous labor, Lawrence joy- 
fully approached the Greyhound, and brought the wreck 
fairly under his lee. Then arose the question how to 
land safely on the slippery planks of the surf-washed 
deck ? The sunken bows of the vessel pointed to the 
southwest, and pitched down at an angle of twenty 
degrees. Her stern was lifted high into the air, well out 
of reach of the highest surf. The deck of the ship was 
greatly careened to starboard, sloping down to the water 
in the direction to receive the approaching surfboard. 


360 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Soon as the surf felt the influence of the submerged 
rocks under the Greyhound, it suddenly broke into a 
deafening roar, and lifted its gigantic crest into the air 
higher than ever ; tossing its foam flakes like the froth 
of a frightened steed. For an instant the Prata was 
buried from view in the seething foam, and Lawrence 
was nearly drowned ere he emerged for breath. 

This was but one of many new dangers that now con- 
fronted him. When his task seemed nearly ended, a 
cordon of splintered timbers barred his way and 
threatened certain destruction. But with a hand of iron 
and an eye of fire Lawrence steered his craft so as to 
shoot clear of the jutting stanchions, the stump of the 
mainmast, the capstan, and the open hatchway; and 
rode in upon his white-maned courser with a velocity 
that nearly deprived him of breath. 

The little Prata was driven high and dry upon the 
wreck, hurled headlong up the quarter-deck to the mizzen- 
mast ; where the half-stunned man lay in a dazed state 
for half an hour. At length, when he came to himself 
and found no harm was done, he sprang up and drew his 
precious craft to the cabin gangway, and secured it to 
the fife-rail about the mast. 

Lawrence’s next thought was to fall upon his knees 
and thank God for the successful issue of his perilous 
venture. Never was man more thankful for the divine 
aid vouchsafed to him, for he could now comprehend 
the difficulties and dangers he had escaped. Bising from 
prayer, he looked sadly about the quarter-deck, now so 
hallowed to him, as the place where his precious Lucia 
had lived, suffered, and died. (See Frontispiece.) 


BOARDING THE WRECK. 


361 


Working his way up the steep incline of the deck, 
past the gangway, the binnacle, and the helm, Lawrence 
found the signal halyards blowing in the wind. Attached 
to the halyard ends, and caught in the broken spokes of 
the wheel, was a small crape shawl which once belonged 
to Lady Seymour. The / hot tears flooded Lawrence’s 
eyes as he caught the precious relic in his grasp and 
pressed it to his lips. It was the first visible link con- 
nected with his darling, and again filled his heart with 
bitter anguish at her loss. 

After he freed the tangled fringe of the shawl from 
the twirling spokes of the wheel, he chanced to remem- 
ber that he was to signal his friends, and he reverently 
hoisted the sacred token to the peak, to inform them of 
his safety. The steamer was then running down the 
western edge of the reef, on her way to the anchorage. 
Forbes responded quickly to the signal, by dressing the 
ship with flags, and discharging a noisy broadside that 
reverberated grandly over the breakers. 

But Lawrence took no heed of their demonstrations 
of joy. His thoughts were steeped in sorrow, as became 
a man groping about the tomb of his best beloved. 
Overwhelmed by his sorrow, and exhausted by the recent 
strain upon his nervous system* which had not yet 
rallied from the shock of the explosion, — he gladly 
sank down by the companion-way to rest, and dry his 
scanty clothing in the sun. 

The grief-stricken man was in no haste to enter the 
tomb-like cabin, where he knew that everything must be 
desolate and solitary as a long forsaken grave. He 
shrank from lacerating his heart anew by further 


862 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


evidence of Lady Lucia’s sufferings, — as one holds 
a death-bearing missive in his hand and hesitates and 
lingers ere breaking the dismal seal, which can only 
repeat what he already knows. 

When his clothing was dry, all but the thick Scotch cap 
and its cotton padding, and he had thoroughly refreshed 
himself with tears and prayers, Lawrence got up and 
looked about him, endeavoring to make himself familiar 
with his surroundings before he went below. The dismal 
black rocks loomed above the breakers about a mile away 
under the lee. The steamer had come to anchor and still 
kept her flags flying from every spar in the ship. 

The gloomy, lead-colored clouds of the morning had 
dispersed, leaving the sky pavilioned by a cheerful blue 
which must needs impart hope and gladness to even the 
sorrowing. The strong sunlight had burned away the 
mist over the surf, tinting the tops of the great rollers 
with a thousand rainbows, gilding the countless foam- 
bubbles floating on the breeze to the ever-changing hues 
of tropic birds. The bellowing breakers continued their 
deafening roar, floundering as angrily as ever upon the 
sodden hulk, which shook from stem to stern as if in the 
act of dissolution. 

It was a wild, weird sight for man to contemplate from 
the safe side of this gigantic horror. But, to an 
imprisoned man, clutched fast in its unrelenting grasp, 
stunned by its incessant roar, and momentarily made 
conscious of its destructive power to shatter the stranded 
fabric on which he stands, it cannot be deemed a com- 
mendable accessory, except the prisoner had ceased to 
value his life. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 


BOARDING THE WRECK, 



HOLLY indifferent to his surroundings, Lawrence 


v * at length began to grope his way down into the 
cabin, to learn the worst. The sound of his footsteps 
creaking on the broken stairs echoed strangely in the 
deserted place, and he sought to hush his labored breath- 
ing as unbecoming the presence of the beloved dead. 
At the bottom of the stairway he ventured to look 
through the after cabin door, without seeing either 
natural or supernatural being anywhere. The sliding 
doors of the staterooms were all wide open on both sides 
of the vessel, as though the berths had recently been 
occupied. And, but for the steep forward pitch of the 
deck, there was nothing to disclose the sudden catastro- 
phe that had brought death to so many. 

Climbing up the steep deck, Lawrence entered the 
cabin and groped his way along the forward bulkhead 
across to the Captain’s stateroom, on the starboard side, 
where Howland said he had carried the wounded Earl. 
When Lawrence gained a position to look partly in at 
the door, there lay the white-haired old nobleman dead 
in the Captain’s berth ; just where Howland had placed 
him, and as he probably lay when the two girls were 
torn from his side. He had evidently died of starvation, 
he was so emaciated, being unable to move from his berth. 


363 


864 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Lawrence stood aghast, overwhelmed by his grief 
while thinking of his lost Lucia, and contemplating the 
ghastly face of the dead Earl lying there unburied on his 
bier. Hearing a slight noise in the stateroom, which re- 
sembled the gasping respiration of a dying person, the 
brave man’s blood retreated back upon his heart, and 
seemed to curdle and freeze in his veins. His hair stif- 
fened like bristles upon his head, and he grew cold, 
rigid, and immovable as a pillar of ice. The much 
dreaded ghosts that haunt the sepulchers of the dead 
had become his companions in earnest. 

Shrinking quickly back from the stateroom door, with 
the sense of being dragged backward by some invisible 
power against his will, Lawrence seized upon the brass 
bracket which suspended the barometer, and stood listen- 
ing with bated breath, eager to confute or confirm his 
superstitious fears. 

He had not long to wait. Ere he could dissuade his 
mind of its being a delusion, there came a lighter, softer 
respiration stealing upon his abnormal hearing. He 
could not doubt but the Earl was dead. And, if so, what 
visible shapes were these ghoul-like attendants? And 
what could be their mission in thus peopling the deso- 
late wreck ? These were some of the insane queries 
that fastened like vultures upon his mind. 

Kecovering his native courage, and overcoming the 
base superstition that had overmastered him, Lawrence 
again pressed forward to inspect the corpse, and confront 
the worst spirit or specter that might oppose him. 
When he attained a position that commanded a full 
view of the place, and was about to put his hand upon 


THE STRANGE APPARITION. 


865 


the dead, an indrawn breath attracted his attention in 
the forward part of the room. He turned his head, and 
stood appalled ! 

There upon the floor of the dimly lighted cabin knelt 
a thin, pale, shadowy-looking creature in the attitude of 
prayer. The ghastly figure was as fixed and lifeless as 
marble, and without a visible movement to intimate that 
it was breathing. 

The strange apparition seemed too diminutive to be 
earthly, too thin and fragile to bear semblance to any 
human creature he had hoped to find. Her long brown 
hair hung tangled and disheveled about her attenuated 
form, which was clothed in some flimsy fabric like a 
night robe. The bony arms were upraised in beseech- 
ing attitude. The emaciated fingers were clutched at 
some invisible object in the air, like the death-grip of 
those dying in pain. 

The grief-stricken man became dazed with horror ! 
In the dim light of the cabin he was at first uncertain 
whether he looked upon a denizen of this world, or an 
evanescent spirit from the other. He felt assured that 
the creature was some beneficent being ; thus reverential 
awe now assumed the place of superstitious apprehension. 

Seeing no evidence of the dear one whom he came to 
find, Lawrence forgot all else — the shriveled corpse and 
the supernatural creature — and groaned aloud in agony 
of spirit. Crying out in wild appeal to heaven, he ex- 
claimed, — 

“ Lord ! Lord! Where is my darling Lucia? Father, 
I beseech thee, bring me into the presence of my dearly 
beloved ! ” 


366 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

The ghastly figure in the stateroom sighed — stirred — 
started — and staggered slowly up to her feet; upon 
which she tottered, as one casting off the heavy earth- 
clods and emerging from the grave. Slowly turning 
her deep-sunken eyes upon the intruder, with a vacant, 
questioning stare of doubtful intelligence, she asked in 
a weak, hoarse, hollow voice, with broken articulation, — 

“ What ! Who — is — this ? Why — disturb — the 

— dying, whom — God — has forsaken ? ” 

“ Lucia ! my darling Lucia, is this your ghost ? ” 

“ Lawrence ! My — Lawrence ? — Almighty — Father 1 
have — you sent — my beloved — in spirit — to gladden 

— my dying eyes ? ” 

With outstretched arms, the corpse-like creature reeled 
and swooned, and would have fallen had not Lawrence 
sprung forward and caught her to his heart ; with a cry 
of horror lest she was dying, as she said. 

Parting the matted brown hair from off the death-like 
face, he sought to trace out the features of his Lucia ; 
but not a semblance of her peerless beauty lingered 
there. Only in her fond blue eyes, as she had peered 
out from their caverned depths ere she swooned, could 
he glean aught that resembled his Lucia in the least. 

A long, long time the cold, inanimate girl lay on her 
lover’s arm, with but little to distinguish her from a 
corpse. While the radial and temporal pulse-beats were 
wholly gone, there still remained a just perceptible flut- 
tering about the heart. And occasionally a slight, trem- 
ulousness ran through her skeleton, like the quivering 
in the wounded wing of a bird. 

Though still slightly alive, Lawrence had small hope 


THIS ICY CLAY WAS LUCIA. 


367 


that she would ever rally. What with her sudden shock 
of joy, her long starvation, together with the lingering 
doubt that the vision of her lover might not be real, 
these were enough to extinguish her dim taper of life 
forever. 

Though now lying unconscious upon her lover’s bosom, 
when she swooned, her glazed eyes retained his precious 
image upon the retina, and her alert ears took down to 
death’s verge the sweet vibrations of his loved tones. 
And, if for no other reason, the half-dissevered spirit of 
the dying girl would flutter back into life once more to 
renew the precious boon, thank God, and die. 

With this half-formed delusion flitting through his 
bewildered brain, Lawrence watched over and clung to 
the inanimate girl through what seemed a never-ending 
night. Sitting in the desolate sepulcher, the companion 
of its dead, the hideous noises about the wreck were 
enough to madden him. 

Shrieks, groans, and what seemed the mysterious 
breathings of unseen specters invaded his ear, apparently 
derived from the surf, which continually forced its way 
through the stoven bottom and pressed the confined air 
up through cracks and,Crannies in the deck, and among 
the bilge-vents in the side-ceiling ; creating a variety of 
dismal outcries, according to the size and shape of the 
outlets. While the strong suction of the retreating 
water made the appalling discord of groans, as if the 
cavern beneath were filled with a vast concourse of the 
damned. 

At length, as night gave place to dawn, Lawrence 
detected a slight respiration breathed against his face. 


368 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Then, after several fruitless attempts, Lucia slowly 
lifted her long, brown lashes from her wan cheeks, and her 
languid blue eyes looked out from their sunken sockets 
upon her lover with an inexpressible joy. From that 
moment magnetic eyes did the work of resuscitation as 
never before. As infant eyes, in the first days of their 
exquisite coquetry, learn to answer back to the maternal 
orbs, so the violet eyes of the impoverished ghost- 
girl learned to respond to Lawrence’s life-giving 
glances. 

Thus, with fond looks, re-assuring tones, and loving 
kisses that thrilled her icy clay, Lawrence succeeded in 
impressing upon Lucia’s wavering mind that his presence 
was real — not spiritual, as she feared — and beguiled 
her flitting, fluttering life-flame to make a renewed 
effort to live. 

It was not long before Lucia was seen to move her lips, 
in voiceless effort to speak. She evidently wished to 
propound questions that would settle her sanity, and the 
bodily presence and viability of her lover. As nearly as 
he could interpret the weak inflections of her lips, she 
seemed asking, — 

“ Am I gone mad ? — Are you here in body, or 
spirit ? ” and such like queries. To which Lawrence 
answered with loving words and fond endearments. But 
her weak state of mind was not easily impressed, and 
again she asked, her dumb lips still bereft of sound, — 

“ How can this be my darling ? ” Her sad eyes con- 
firmed the doubt that pervaded her mind. To which 
Lawrence replied, as he folded her tightly to his breast, — 

“ Listen to my heart-beat, Lucia dear. You knovr 


HER DAWNING INTELLIGENCE. 


369 


that spirits are impalpable. See how my kisses vivify 
your being.” 

She contrived to answer in the affirmative, by languidly 
flexing her blue-veined lids upon her cheeks. After 
these tiresome efforts, she slept for an hour. When 
she awoke, she had acquired the strength to murmur in 
broken accents, — 

“ If you — are — my darling, — tell me — what — I 
wish — to know.” 

She then closed her eyes languidly and nestled her 
face against Lawrence’s cheek, like one prepared to 
listen and receive his fond endearments. He told her 
that by some strange intervention of Providence he did 
not sail for America, as she supposed. That he had been 
kidnapped by the pirates, and, when released and on his 
way to Hong Kong, he heard that the Greyhound was 
wrecked, and came to her rescue. 

At length, all these ^unaccountable things seemed to 
stun the frail creature. She shook her head for her 
lover to cease talking. She could not bear so much joy- 
ful news, and she made a weak attempt to put her hand 
over Lawrence’s mouth to stop his talk. After another 
brief rest, she gained sufficient strength to say, — 

“I’m so weak, — we are — starved. This — is manna, 
— from heaven ; — more than — food and drink. But, — 
no more — now, — lest I die — from — too — much — 
lov — i — n— g ; ” and her head fell prostrate on his 
breast. The weak modulation of her voice grew faint, 
and fainter ; sinking away like a dying person’s. Law- 
rence was shocked with fear, lest she had passed away ; 
and he groaned aloud in agony at the thought. 


870 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ Oh, God ! Have I come too late ? Must I lose her 
even now ? ” 

His outcry pierced the prostrate girl, and with a 
desperate struggle she lifted her heavy lids to bestow a 
re-assuring look, and slowly shook her head in the 
negative, implying that he had not come too late. 

Not until that moment did it occur to Lawrence that 
he had food, wine, and water, secured in the air-chambers 
of the surfboard, which might be of service even now. 
Elated with the thought, he tenderly lifted Lucia in his 
arms and worked his way up the steep deck to the 
nearest stateroom, where he laid her in a berth, evidently 
her own, preparatory to going on deck to unload his 
treasures of food and drink. 

Lucia rallied sufficiently to know that Lawrence was 
preparing to leave her, and appeared almost convulsed. 
He could not leave her so, and, while he endeavored to 
explain his purpose, he continued to work upon her with 
his hands ; chafing and kneading, hoping to restore 
circulation to her ice-cold body. 

When at length she was made to see the necessity of 
a brief separation, she consented to his going. Yet, 
even then, after the mind had yielded, the hands would 
not comply. She had not power to transmit her mental 
wish and will to either hands or feet. Lawrence was 
compelled to unclasp her pale, emaciated fingers one by 
one from his knit garment, where they were clutched 
like the talons of a bird. 

Even then, her sad eyes followed him with a gentle 
rebuke, as he slowly withdrew, until her reproving looks 
called him back to her side again and again. Her 


REVIVING THE EARL. 


3T1 


shattered mind seemed to forget why he should leave 
her. She needed to be re-assured repeatedly, like the 
new-born intellect of an infant. 

Unloading the Prata, Lawrence took his treasure of 
food and drink to the cabin and secured them with care, 
for the life of his new-found darling was dependent upon 
them. Mixing a little wine with water, he administered 
it in small, frequent doses, and watched the effect with 
great anxiety. To his surprise, the spirituous drink did 
not produce hypersemia, as might be expected in such a 
starved condition ; and late in the afternoon he ventured 
to add a few crumbs of nutritious food to his dilution 
of wine, which also acted admirably. After a brief 
sleep, which seemed to greatly refresh her, Lucia awoke 
ravenous for more nourishment, and while Lawrence was 
feeding her she found voice to whisper, — 

“Dear Lawrence, how this revives me. Give some to 
father.” 

“ What ! Is the Earl alive ? ” 

“ I hope so. Try him. He breathed a few days 
ago.” 

With a show of pleasing the frail girl, Lawrence slid 
down the inclined deck to the forward room, and 
listened to catch, the breath of the supposed dead man. 
To his surprise the old nobleman was alive, though 
insensible and cold as death. But an occasional flutter- 
ing was detected about the heart, and once in a while a 
sighing respiration. Trickling a few drops of diluted 
wine into his Lordship’s gasping mouth soon had the 
effect to increase heart action. Lawrence then prepared 
a solution of brandy, which acted finely, and in about 


372 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


three hours the patient opened his eyes, though he 
remained dumb as a corpse. 

Finding Lucia was asleep when he returned to her 
berth, Lawrence seized the opportunity to look about the 
cabin in search of food. But, as nothing could be found 
in the line of food or drink, he took the occasion to 
communicate more thoroughly with the steamer, as the 
second night was about to shut down upon him. 

The ship’s color-bag was found in the transom locker. 
Taking the flags to the deck, Lawrence filled the signal 
halyards with Ensign, Blue Peter, and many other flags, 
and ran them up to the peak to express his joy. This 
display of bunting surprised his friends on the Barra- 
cuda, coming as it did twenty-six hours after his arrival 
on the wreck ; and the only interpretation put upon it 
was that Lawrence had become crazy, or had found the 
Seymours alive. Why he had delayed the good news so 
long was a mystery that remained to be disclosed. 
Captain Forbes responded quickly with his colors, and 
soon after denoted the general gratification by firing 
several guns. 

Lawrence was too anxious and hungry to remain up 
long. As twilight was approaching, he climbed down 
the broken stairway to his patients in the cabin. Find- 
ing father and daughter were slumbering quietly, he 
made another unavailing search for something to eat, 
and finally adopted Howland’s plan of fishing down 
through the hatchway in the cabin floor. 

The fish-lines were found near at hand in the mate’s 
stateroom. A piece of decomposed fish still remained 
on one of the hooks, which answered for bait. An 


THE GREAT SHARK. 


373 


instant after the hook had run down among the rocks 
under the stoven run, a small sized rock-cod seized the 
bait, and was soon pulled up, and lay floundering on the 
floor. As the flesh of the cod is soft and less sweet 
than many other rock-fishes, Lawrence repeated the 
operation, and caught some other varieties more to his 
taste. 

His fishing ended with an ill-omened incident. He 
hooked a large-sized cod, and pulled him to the surface ; 
but not wishing to draw it out upon the floor lest the 
floundering should disturb the sleepers, he knelt down 
upon the deck to unhook the fish and set it free. While 
in the act of doing this, a huge ground-shark thrust up 
his open maw, and seized the cod, and it was only by 
the smallest chance that Lawrence snatched away his 
arm in time to save it. 

This untoward incident possibly accounted for the 
manner in which Irene first lost her arm, and then her 
life, after Howland had left the passengers to their fate, 
as Lady Seymour could in no way account for her maid’s 
disappearance. 

After a hearty meal of raw fish, Lawrence first gave 
due attention to the Earl, and then took his station by 
Lady Seymour’s berth for the night. Seating himself 
as comfortably as he could near the berth, he held 
Lucia’s icy hands in his while she slept, endeavoring to 
impart something of his own warmth and magnetic 
strength to the frail creature, who was predisposed to 
receive nutrition from his every touch and look of 
endearment, as the parched earth will rob the very air 
of its humidity. 


874 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


After many brief and placid slumbers through the 
night, Lady Lucia woke to consciousness in the morn- 
ing, and lay palpitating back into life and strength, 
with her inmost soul dwelling in her eyes, in joyous 
response to her lover’s questioning looks, as a tiny new- 
comer responds to the paternal glances. 

If Lawrence slept at all during this second night’s 
watch, it was with Lucia’s thin, clammy hands held fast 
in his own. Only thus could he snatch a few minutes’ 
sleep at a time before the thrash and thunder of the 
surf overhead would awake him, or that more hideous 
floundering of breakers in the caverned depths of the 
hold, which ever seemed madly intent upon the complete 
destruction of the stranded ship. 

Alas, if this strong-hearted man of the sea could not 
compose himself to restful slumber amidst the resound- 
ing blows of the encroaching waters, what must have 
been the supernatural fears and mental strain upon the 
tenderly nurtured maiden and her wounded parent 
during the long past weeks of appalling terrors ? 

Thus ten long laborious days passed before father 
and daughter acquired sufficient strength to induce 
Lawrence to feel assured that he could rally them. 
Even then it required the closest scrutiny to discover 
the remotest semblance of Lucia’s former self. 

Occasionally, in the past week, Lawrence had written 
brief messages to Captain Forbes, which he had inclosed 
in bottles and sealed jars, requesting him to respond 
with a gun and the Blue Peter at the fore, if he got the 
word. But as yet no response had been given to the 
numerous messages sent. In despair of attracting the 


Lawrence’s message. 


375 


steamer’s attention in that way, he succeeded in fishing 
up a small empty cask from the main hatchway. Into 
the bunghole of the cask he inserted a vial containing a 
note, protecting the vial by a cloth wrapper, and pound- 
ing in the bung securely. On the head of the cask he 
cut the words “ Look inside,” to draw their attention to 
the contents. 

On the twelfth morning, after the sun was well up, 
and had thoroughly dried the dew from the deck around 
the taffrail, Lawrence wrapped Lady Lucia in a blanket, 
and carried her on deck to witness his doings, as she 
always became uneasy while he was out of her sight. 
He had previously lashed the helm securely, and placed 
a mattress against the binnacle, so that the girl could 
have a firm rest for her back, as the deck was too steep 
for a weak person to maintain either seat or foothold 
upon it. 

The warm sun and the cool breeze were the best life- 
giving accessories to coax the delicate creature back to 
health again. While the hideous din of the breakers 
was less irksome to the ear now that the eye could 
watch them roll down upon the wreck in their majesty 
and might, and behold the sparkle of the leaping spray, 
with the foam bubbles winging down the wind like a 
ceaseless flock of lories. 

When the cask which contained the message was 
ready to launch, Lawrence ran his colors up and down 
at the gaff to attract the steamer’s attention. Climbing 
to the mizzen-top to watch, he saw the officers of the 
Barracuda gathered on the poop with their glasses ; then 
Lawrence returned to the deck, and rolled his cask into 


376 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


the sea, and again mounted aloft to learn the result of 
his enterprise. The cask was caught up by the savage 
breakers, and tossed and dandled about like a fleck of 
their own foam. The first comber lifted it aloft, and 
hurled it onward long enough to attract the steamer’s 
attention. Then the cask was suffered to fall back into 
the deep trough of the seas, and was wholly hidden 
from view ; but again and again it appeared on the surf- 
tops, and was borne on past the island into smooth 
water beyond the breakers. There a boat from the 
steamer took it in tow, and pulled for the vessel. 

Lawrence waited impatiently in the top to note the 
results. Ten minutes after the cask had been hoisted 
aboard, a gun was fired, and the Blue Peter run up at the 
fore, in acknowledgment of the message. In his note to 
Captain Forbes, Lawrence stated that it would be many 
weeks before he could hope to remove his friends, 
adding that all provision and water suitable for the sick 
ones were exhausted, and that he had been living wholly 
upon raw fish, of which he caught plenty in the run. 

He suggested that John Kanaka should try to reach 
him on a surfboard, bringing a fresh supply of provisions 
and water, else he would not be able to build up the 
strength of the Seymours sufficiently to withstand the 
shock of an encounter with the surf, over which they 
must escape. 

As the following day continued mild and bright, Lady 
Seymour was again brought up and placed on her mat- 
tress in the sunshine. The Earl was also lifted from 
his berth, under protest, brought to the deck, and de- 
posited near his daughter, where Lawrence could divide 


FATAL ATTEMPT TO RESCUE. 


377 


his attention between them. Both enjoyed the genial 
warmth of the sun, though its light almost blinded them 
after their month’s confinement in the damp and noisy 
cabin. 

Soon after the little group became fixed for the day, 
the steamer took her anchor and steamed around to the 
north of the Pratas. What she was trying to do, Law- 
rence could not see in the smoky distance, owing to the 
unusual evaporation rising from the crests of the break- 
ers. After two hours further watching, and reporting 
to the invalids on deck, Lawrence discovered something 
caught up now and then and borne down toward them 
by the surf. The object proved to be a newly made surf- 
board, drifting on the breakers without an occupant. 
The tiny craft was hurled over and over, and sometimes 
wholly buried from view. Nothing was seen of the un- 
fortunate navigator, whose vessel drifted down past the 
wreck, out into the sea beyond, where the steamer picked 
it up wdien she returned to the anchorage. 

The steamer’s colors were flying half-mast, showing 
that some one had been lost while trying -to reach the 
wreck. This event cast a gloom over the wrecked ones, 
which was still further increased on the following day, 
when the Barracuda was seen to land several men on the 
island, set her Blue Peter at the fore, — a signal when 
leaving port, — and steam away in the direction of Hong 
Kong. It then seemed as if their last hope of rescue 
was gone. 

Lawrence endeavored to cheer the disconsolate ones 
as best he could. But his consolation was made unavail- 
ing when he found himself obliged to tell them that his 


378 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


small stock of provisions was gone. He advised them 
to again try to eat raw fish, which he could catch fresh 
for them in the run. The fish were found to make them 
both sick ; and, as vomiting took away their strength, 
they were obliged to desist and starve again. 

There followed a sad night of protestation and prayer 
for all. The divine light that had shone so sweetly 
round about them, making God’s hand visible in every- 
thing which transpired, seemed to have been eclipsed by 
a cloud of blackest desolation. To have died while in 
the senseless state in which Lawrence had found them 
would have been a joy, which both had longed for to the 
last minute of sensibility. 

But now, when they had been rallied to a new love of 
life, a new appreciation of past existence, to be starved 
over again and made to endure one by one the long list 
of previous horrors, was more than they could bear. 
Such an experience is burned deeply into the heart, and 
can never be erased from memory. To watch the flesh 
wither and disappear, as snow is wasted by the sun; to 
feel the heart being daily crushed into a smaller com- 
pass, while its beats hourly become weaker and weaker 
until pulsation fails to be distinguished ; to cringe under 
the ceaseless torture of a starved brain, which burns 
with an endless fire that cannot be extinguished, are 
some of the horrors which these high-born people had 
endured. What wonder that they now felt themselves 
forsaken by the God of their fathers ! 

The old lord was most bitter in his reflections, most 
impatient of any consolation which could be offered. 
After the aggrieved old man had dropped to sleep, and 


FEEDING LUCIA ON HIS BLOOD. 


379 


Lady Lucia had been placed in her berth, Lawrence im- 
parted his plans for saving her, — which had the merit 
of subdividing his own abundant resources with the 
woman he loved, until, when the end came, they could 
depart out of life together. At first, the over-sensitive 
girl was horrified at her lover’s proposition ; and it re- 
quired considerable persuasion to induce her to comply 
with his wishes. 

When Lady Seymour became composed, Lawrence 
applied a ligature to his left arm, punctured the brachial 
vein, and induced the terrified girl to drink freely of his 
warm blood. It had a fine sedative, as well as nutri- 
tious effect, and the nervous young creature soon dropped 
into the most profound slumber that she had enjoyed. 

With such a weight of anxiety on his mind, Lawrence 
could not compose himself to sleep. He sat with his 
head bowed upon the berth-board till long after mid- 
night, and then climbed the creaking stairs to the deck. 
During the next hour there was a cold, drenching night- 
fog hanging over the Pratas. 

This dense mist had the effect of hedging in the hori- 
zon more closely about the lone watcher, till only by a 
strong effort of will could he rid himself of the delusion 
that at length the whole earth had become inundated by 
the demon-waves ; and the longer he dwelt upon the 
wild hell of water, and listened to its insane ravings, the 
more his distorted fancy became impressed with a sense 
of isolation. 

Suddenly the humid mist swept away from the vast 
field of embattled waters, and gave place to the splen- 
dors of a full-orbed moon. The change was magical, 


880 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


and the mental effect upon the watcher was charming. 
The moon disclosed a scene of sublimity and grandeur 
which cannot be described, wherein sadness and sorrow 
might easily be dethroned for a time. 

A new gleam of hope soon pervaded the depressed 
heart of the solitaire, and dispelled his nightmare vis- 
ions, for over all the surf-haunted shoal the moonlight 
now lay upon the windrowed water, till it shone like bur- 
nished silver; and one could almost forget its cruel 
capacity for destruction while pondering its awe-thrilling 
beauty. 

The most beautiful of all the ever varying aspects of 
shadow and sheen were disclosed by the ponderous surf- 
crests, when the breakers mounted up into thin, smooth, 
glassy arches, whereon the moonbeam lavished its count- 
less rainbows, and through which it pierced down into 
the deep, dark troughs of the seas with the gorgeous 
tints of sunset. 

More fairy-like, if less beautiful, was the exquisite 
display of flame-colored foam-bubbles flung aloft by the 
tossing spume of the crests, which floated down the 
wind like migrating flocks of tinsel-winged insects. 
While the strong shimmering moon-glade at the south 
verily bridged the turbulent sea-tops with a bridge of 
gold in the direction of the welcomed orb. As if Diana 
wished to point out the least dangerous way of escape for 
the imprisoned ones. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


SAVED FROM STARVATION. 

EARLY a week had passed since the Barracuda 
' left the Pratas. Day after day Lawrence had 
continued to nourish Lady Lucia upon occasional 
draughts of his own blood. The starved girl finally 
overcame her repugnance to the new diet, and was thriv- 
ing finely upon the elixir vita?, while the loss of blood 
did not seem to weaken Lawrence very much. 

The Earl had not been induced to partake of that 
which must eventually destroy their almost savior. 
Since the provision gave out, his Lordship had subsisted 
wholly upon a few spoonfuls of brandy and water, Law- 
rence having saved a few cupfuls of rain during a night- 
shower. 

Early one morning two small steamers appeared in the 
offing. One vessel steamed to the north of the shoal, 
with an energetic show of undertaking some enterprise 
by which to reach the wreck. The largest vessel ran 
around to the south, and anchored in the lagoon. She 
was flying Admiral Seymour’s pennant. This event 
brought a gleam of hope to Lawrence and Lady Lucia, 
but the Earl had become too weak and indifferent to take 
interest in that or any other occurrence. 

After coming to anchor, the flagship fired several guns 
to attract Lawrence’s attention. Taking his glass into 
the mizzen-top, he at once discovered a line of large 

381 


382 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

black letters painted on the steamer’s trysail. At first 
this was difficult to read. But when the sail was set 
taut, and presented more squarely to the wreck, it read 
plainly, — 

“We are Trying to Reach You.” 

These were cheerful words. But how Sir Michael’s 
men were to reach the wreck remained to be seen. 
Lawrence was not sanguine, and his loved companion 
was hopeless. The Greyhound’s colors were run up and 
down at the peak in answer to the message. After 
hours of tiresome watching, a gun was fired by the dis- 
tant steamer, and Lawrence again climbed to the top, as 
did the Admiral’s officers. Late in the afternoon a life- 
boat came drifting down the surf bottom-up. She passed 
near the wreck, with no evidence of any one clinging to 
her. The steamer followed down the western edge of 
the surf in time to pick up the life-boat when it hove 
out into smooth water, and then she ran in and anchored 
for the night. 

This unavailing sacrifice greatly saddened the Grey- 
hound’s* people. While they were sorrowing over the 
sad event some object washed up on deck. Lawrence 
and Lucia were sitting near the binnacle in the twilight 
hour ; thinking that it might be some package from the 
steamer, Lawrence slid carefully down to the stump of 
the mainmast, against which the object was washing to 
and fro, and drew it up on the dry deck. 

It was the corpse of Captain Royal. He had drowned 
while trying to rescue his passengers with the life-boat. 
Lawrence was greatly affected, and did not dare to tell 


CAPTAIN ROYAL’S SAD END. 


883 


Lady Seymour that the brave Captain of the Greyhound 
had come back to visit his loved ship once more — though 
accompanied by Death. 

Lawrence crept up the steep deck to where Lucia sat, 
and, after making the best deceptive story he could in- 
vent, took the weak girl in his arms and sat through the 
twilight in silence. Poor Royal ! he had shown the 
sterling quality of the man, in making this useless sac- 
rifice. Strange that he, having once been saved from 
the wreck, should lose his life while trying to teach it 
again. 

The next day the small steamer again ran around to 
the north. About noon a number of small casks came 
floating down on the breakers, passing both sides of the 
wreck. They probably contained provision, but none 
of them reached the Greyhound. The day was spent in 
like futile efforts, and at night the steamer ran around 
to her anchorage again. 

On the following morning she steamed earlier than 
usual to the north. Neither Lawrence nor his companion 
took much interest in her efforts. But hours after, 
when she again called attention by her gun-fire, Lawrence 
made a weary effort to reach the top, for the continuous 
drain of blood, aided by his depressed spirits, began to 
tell severely upon his strength. 

Languidly raising his glass to look down over the 
tiresome breakers, he caught sight of a. small object 
perched on the crest of a mighty comber. It was a surf- 
board, with a brown-bodied man upon it ; paddling with 
his hands to keep his craft pointed down the front of 
the crest, and occasionally shying his buoyant vessel to 


384 


THE W KECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


tile right or left by the aid of his feet— as a boy guides 
his sled in coasting. 

This looked like business. The boatman was a Kanaka, 
lying flat upon his belly ; and seemed as much at home 
in the water as a seal. Ten minutes after, the lusty 
shout of the hero rang out above the roar of the breakers, 
and in obedience to a signal from Lawrence the brave 
fellow spun his little craft in upon the wreck with a yell of 
delight. Springing to his feet, he shouted to Lawrence, — 

“ Ya rana ! ya rana ! Alolia okou ! Me, Raiatea ; 
Tahiti kanaka. You, Americum man, makee boate. 
Raiatea sabe makee boate go. Aloo ! aloo ! ” 

Lawrence descended to the deck and shook hands with 
his tawny friend. “ You’ve done well, Raiatea, and I 
thank God that you have succeeded.” 

“ Raiatea sabe too much. Capum R’yal, him no sabe ; 
he make, make [dead]. John Kanaka, he no sabe, big 
shark eate he. Big boate, plenty men, no good. All 
make moe [in dead sleep].” 

“ Have you brought us something to eat ? ” 

“ Nui , nui ! — plenty, plenty.” 

The gallant fellow leaped about the deck, slapping 
his naked thighs, like one beside himself. He was 
delighted with his surfboard — which was larger than 
Lawrence’s — and greatly amazed at his success, after so 
many disasters. 

Lawrence was greatly pleased with this new acquisi- 
tion of man, boat, and provision. Slipping out the corks 
from the air-chambers, the wonderful surfboard was soon 
made to disgorge its wine, brandy, provision and water ; 
all of which were carried carefully below. 


raiatea’s arrival. 


885 


From one of the smaller chambers, Eaiatea drew forth 
a vial containing a note from Admiral Seymour, in which 
he advised Lawrence to take all the time needed to 
strengthen his patients, before trying to escape, as a 
steamer would wait, at his command. Sir Michael 
further asked for any suggestions, by which he might aid 
them, expressing grave doubts of transporting two sick 
persons over the surf by any process. 

Leaving the Tahitian on deck, Lawrence went below 
to feed his patients, and hunt up some clothing for the 
Kanaka. When rigged out in Captain Royal’s shirt and 
pants, Raiatea was taken into the cabin and presented 
to the passengers. The introduction over, the magnetic 
fellow was sent to lomi-lomi the Earl ; the art of massage 
being in daily use among his native islands, and he 
exclaimed in delight, — 

“ Lomi-lomi mailcai ! Tahiti man he sabe too much. 
Americum man he lomi-lomi wahine [girl]. Kanaka he 
lomi-lomi haole [white man].” 

The mercurial Polynesian was like a sudden sunbeam 
to the solemn trio. He went at the old nobleman with 
a relish, and his Lordship enjoyed the kneading of his 
torpid body and patting of his icy limbs. Five days of 
vigorous manipulation and good food so rallied his 
patients that Lawrence began to mature his plans for 
escaping. 

It now became necessary to reply to the Admiral’s note. 
A water cask was fished / up from the after hold, with 
Raiatea’s aid, and got on deck ; the head taken out and 
dried in the sun. Into this cask were placed two trunks 
of clothing and other valuables belonging to the Earl 


386 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


and his daughter. A message was put in relating to 
Lawrence’s plan of escaping on the two surfboards ; and 
further stating that in about five days, should the 
weather hold good, he would make the final attempt to 
embark. This accomplished, the cask was headed up 
and made ready to set adrift. 

When the Admiral’s attention was called by a signal 
at the peak, the cask was given to the ferriage of the 
breakers. As the cask Avas not carried upon the island, 
but drifted down past the west end, through many 
obtruding rocks, Lawrence discovered that the westerly 
current was greatly increased during the week of the 
full moon. 

This made it doubtful whether they could guide the 
overburdened surfboards to the island; and Kaiatea 
agreed with Lawrence that if they got a fair start, and 
the passengers endured the passage well, it would be 
best to avoid landing on the rocks ; but to sheer around 
the point, and run a mile farther over the breakers into 
smooth water beyond. 

When the lookouts on the steamer reported that the 
cask was drifting past the island to the sea, a boat was 
sent out to wait its coming, and tow it to the vessel. An 
hour after receiving the. cask, the small steamer got up 
steam, took her anchor and headed away for Hong Kong. 
The Admiral remained, awaiting the final event, which 
was deemed utterly hopeless by all on board. 

The five days of probation passed, and all had gone 
well with the people on the wreck. Lady Seymour had 
thrived rapidly, and the Earl had done fairly well, so 
that the following morning was appointed to make a 


LAST NIGHT ON THE WHECK. 


387 


final attempt to escape. It proved almost a sleepless 
night for three out of four of the group. 

After finishing his evening work on the Earl, Eaiatea 
retired early, and slept like a log until called to his task 
of lomi-lomi in the morning. When Lawrence had 
thoroughly accomplished his task of labor and love for 
the night, upon Lucia, they returned to the forward 
stateroom. 

The Earl lay slumbering quietly in his berth, after the 
restful manipulation he had undergone; but he awoke 
when his daughter entered, in a more tranquil state of 
mind than usual. Lawrence and Lady Lucia nestled 
into a big lounging-ehair near his Lordship. Thus they 
spent the night together, conversing in quiet tones, 
imparting their hopes and fears to each other, and saying 
their last loving messages for home friends, if by chance 
one of their number should survive the desperate under- 
taking. 

Without a thought for himself, Lawrence strove to be 
cheerful on account of the others. Not for an instant 
could he rid his mind of the haunting thought that the 
dearest of God’s creatures was to be subjected to a fear- 
ful risk, an almost hopeless undertaking. Two persons 
clinging to one surfboard was unheard of. 

The almost certainty of disaster happening to one or 
all of them weighted his fond heart with a load of misery 
hard to endure. While thus contemplating the responsi- 
bility of his coming attempt, by some sudden impulse 
Lucia twined her arms about his neck and whispered 
in his ear, — 

“ Dearest ! I shall not care to live if aught happens to 


388 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


you. Life would become unendurable with you lying 
dead at my side.” 

“Oh, Lucia, you are but interpreting my thoughts. 
Darling, pray to God every hour of this precious night 
that he will suffer us to live or die together.” 

“ I am praying for that while I lie here in your arms, 
dear Lawrence. 0 my precious one, I thought I had 
loved you with all the affluence which woman has to be- 
stow, while I was in the health and bloom of my girlhood. 
But, 0 noblest of men, in coming to us as you have 
done at the certain peril of life, you have sanctified our 
love in the sight of God and his holy angels, until my 
whole soul has gone forth in sweet homage to such 
goodness and greatness.” 

“Dear Lucia, am I not repaid beyond measure for 
coming, in thus snatching two such rich, rare natures 
from starvation ? ” 

“ I know that my poor father will always appreciate 
this heroic act. And God grant that your little Lucia 
may prove worthy of the risk you have run for her.” 

“ Ah, dearest, I fear my coming is robbed of its best 
merit, as I should have lacked the manhood to under- 
take the rescue but for my love for you ! ” 

“Will your Lucia love you less for that fault, think 
you? Dear Lawrence, think how you have made me 
flesh of your flesh, in nourishing me for da,ys on your 
own precious blood. Ah, me ! the limit of life is not 
long enough to repay you for such a sacrifice.” 

“ Ah, little darling, you can repay me in a day, if you 
promise to be brave and trustful to-morrow. I believe 
that I am but God’s chosen agent sent to snatch you 


LAST HOURS IN LIFE. 


389 


from this ocean horror ; join me in this belief, and all 
will yet go well.” 

“ Oh, how well I can promise you that, and all else 
which you may ask. The strength of my trust in you, 
dearest, words can never disclose. But you will know 
the integrity of the Seymour faith and courage better 
after you have tested both to-morrow. When you shall 
have flung this wasted frame into the sea, and seen how 
willing I am to live or die, sink or swim with you, then 
you will know me as you cannot now.” 

“We are talking too much. You should rest. Let 
me hush you to sleep, for the night is far spent, and my 
dear one will need her utmost strength for the coming 
tussle with the breakers. Had I not better lay you in 
your berth for an hour’s rest ? ” 

“Not for the world, dear love. These are possibly, 
nay probably, our last hours in life. Is it not meet 
that our beating hearts should lie in closest union 
through this brief respite ? Suffer me not to be sepa- 
rated from you so much as an instant throughout these 
sacred hours. Dear, dear Lawrence, wrap me more 
closely about with your strong arms, brood over me 
tenderly with your great love, and I will hush to sleep 
as lovingly as a nursling on the maternal breast.” 

- Lawrence took her at her word, and she was soon 
sleeping soundly, breathing as softly as when a blue- 
eyed babe in Moorland Castle. Through all those gray 
morning hours the old Earl also slept, in unconscious 
slumber. Over that frail young creature how tenderly 
a strong heart watched and wept and prayed, feeding 
upon her aromatic breath as one cherishes the fragrance 


390 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


of flowers. Though his eyes were often blinded with 
tears, and his lips were murmuring inarticulate prayers, 
yet he hushed his own breathing and turbulent heart- 
beats lest he should disturb the tranquil rest of the 
sleeper. 

When morning dawned bright and fair upon them, 
Lawrence studiously shaded the blue lids of the sleep- 
ing girl, dreading to awake her from such peaceful 
repose. Though he had been wholly bereft of sleep 
himself, yet he felt strong and eager for the perilous 
duties of the day. Like one assured that the Divine 
presence had been round about that little group through- 
out the night, Lawrence felt no more doubt. A white- 
winged message from the All-Wise had been whispered 
to his soul, and the blessing of supreme faith was given 
into his keeping. 

An hour after sunrise Lady Seymour stirred for the 
first time. Her long brown lashes lifted from her 
slightly tinted cheeks, till her glad blue eyes disclosed 
a sweet surprisal when realizing where she was. Then 
came the dread remembrance of what was in store for 
her, and her heart beat wild and fast. But, scanning her 
lover’s face with closest scrutiny, she too began to par- 
take of the strength and tranquillity which sat like a 
gloria upon his brow. Hustling her young face back 
upon his breast, she prayed aloud for Divine guidance 
throughout that day. 

Then Lawrence assured her that all was well. That 
it had been vouchsafed to them from God, in answer to 
prayer, that whatever might happen in the coming days 
there was a life of love, piety, and peace held in store 


IN ANSWER TO PRAYER. 


391 


for them. His words came to her like a prophecy. 
Though swift tears filled her eyes, and her lips quivered 
with emotions too exquisite to impart, she lost not an 
instant in questioning his faith, but looked her thank- 
fulness into his eyes as she drew his lips down to meet 
her own, and pressed heart to heart as she had never 
done before. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 


RESCUED FROM THE WRECK. 

XT was a busy time on board the Greyhound that 
morning, while breakfasting, and making their final 
preparations for leaving the wreck. After the Seymours 
had made the best meal which their impoverished larder 
would permit, more of stimulants than food, Lawrence 
prompted Raiatea to do his duty by the Earl, as never 
before. While he laid his own beloved charge in her 
berth, and brought her circulation into full activity, lest 
a congestive chill should deprive her of life by too long 
contact with the cold breakers. 

When all else had been accomplished, and the sun had 
eaten away the fog, and come out bright and warm, 
Lawrence requested father and daughter to dress in 
warm, double under-flannels, with no other encumbrance, 
lest they should weight down the frail craft which were 
to bear them. 

Lady Lucia was soon ready, and came blushing from 
her stateroom at the novelty of her attire. WTiile 
Lawrence assisted her to the deck, Raiatea was ordered 
to set the signals agreed upon at the peak, to notify the 
Admiral that they were ready to embark. That done, 
the Tahitian helped the Earl up the cabin stairs, then 
Lawrence helped him to secure the old nobleman upon 
the surfboard, named Raiatea in honor of its hero. 

392 


LASHED TO THE SURFBOARDS. 


393 


Strong bands were fastened across his body by the side 
beckets, leaving the arms and legs free for swimming 
should Raiatea need his assistance. 

Lawrence then performed the same duty for Lady 
Seymour. Being less weighty, she was more tenderly 
cared for than her father. Lucia was permitted the 
additional comfort of a small, thin pillow to support her 
chest and face ; for the prone, abdominal position is 
deemed the only safe one. 

Though the overruling One had blessed them with a 
mild, pleasant day, yet never had the stupendous surf 
seemed to run so swiftly and mount so high ; breaking 
with an angry roar that was deafening. 

The swimmers were to cling to the stern end of their 
surfboards, guiding them the best they could, while try- 
ing to impel their craft down over the fore-front of the 
surf, in spite of the loads upon the frail floats — double 
weighted by their fears— and the drag-weights of the 
swimmers behind. It was a task which required 
strength, endurance, and a special skill that few possess. 
It is impossible to depict the novelty of such boating, 
and the unique terrors of such peril to one unaccustomed 
to breakers. 

Lawrence helped to drag the Raiatea into the water 
just behind the broken mainmast,' as all wished to go 
along together as near as possible. Then he quickly 
drew his own little Prata down the steep deck into the 
tossing spume, wishing to nicely adjust its precious 
burden to the exact requirements of the craft. 

When Raiatea launched his Lordship further out into 
the wild swash of the seething waters, to test the trim 


394 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


of his float, with the natural timidity of a sick person, 
the old nobleman groaned aloud, and gave voice to a 
piteous cry of terror ; begging that he might be left be- 
hind to starve rather than be subjected to the horrible 
death which awaited him. 

His brave little daughter appealed to him to be quiet, 
as he was in the best of hands, and would be saved if it 
were possible. The nearest approach to terrified emotion 
shown by Lady Seymour was expressed by the tender, 
trustful glances she bestowed upon her lover, as he 
loosed her fastenings and drew her back upon the surf- 
board till its trim was fixed to his mind. Though she 
remained voiceless as a statue, her calm blue eyes were 
more potent than words, and the confidence and affection 
which they expressed instilled the might of a giant into 
the heart of her lover. 

The proud little peeress was verifying her promise of 
the previous night, that her lover should this day learn 
her capacity for courage and calmness as never before. 
Even when Lawrence purposely thrust the Prata out 
into the wild surf-swash and let it toss like a cockle-shell 
on the boiling foam: and suffered an expended foam- 
crest to wash over Lucia’s lithe frame, not an articulate 
cry passed the lips of the maiden, though a quick shud- 
der ran through her at the chill touch of the water. 

Watching for one of the largest breakers, Lawrence at 
length gave the word to launch — he taking the first 
comber, and Paiatea the second. The monster breaker 
of his choice approached looming masthead high, and 
came leaping down upon them with the roar of a cataract ; 
its front towering so high above them that even Law- 


BURIED BENEATH THE SURF. 


895 


rence doubted the possibility of their reaching its pre- 
cipitous top before it should bury them fathoms deep in 
foam. 

But the launch was well timed, as the surf had partly 
spent its force by overriding the sunken wreck before 
the shattered crest caught up the little Prata. Lawrence 
had extended himself flat upon the water, holding fast 
to the stern-becket of his surfboard, which was pointed 
directly away from the coming breaker. 

When the terrible crisis came, the strong swimmer 
was urging his tiny craft forward with all his power. 
Then down came the on-rusliing breaker with the rum- 
ble of an earthquake and the fury of a whirlwind. For 
an instant the vast arch of tumbling water and boiling 
foam cast down a shadow as black as doom, and then 
submerged vessel and crew for a minute, till both were 
hidden from view as if gone forever ! Lawrence held 
his breath the best he could, depending upon the buoy- 
ancy of the Prata to bring them to the top of the wave. 

Following Lawrence’s directions to the letter, the 
brave little Lucia quickly buried her face in the wet 
pillow, shutting out both air and water for one terrible 
moment while the angry surf floundered down upon her 
with the weight of an avalanche. Not until her lover 
shouted and shook her foot, did the terrified girl lift her 
head to find herself riding fairly upon the back of the 
overmastered sea-monster. Proving beyond debate that 
a sick woman has treble the courage of a sick man ; for 
a piteous cry of terror was heard from the Earl, mingled 
with the roar of waters, until checked summarily by the 
surf which ingulfed him. 


396 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


It required Lawrence’s constant effort to keep the 
surfboard pointed down over the front of the surf, as the 
burden of two persons clinging to the little Prata proved 
a dreadful drag-weight upon it ; and too well he knew 
the danger of letting his frail craft sag back into the 
trough of the sea, where he would have to repeat the 
terrible risk of being overwhelmed by the next succeed- 
ing breaker. 

Swimming with a firm grasp upon one of Lucia’s ankles, 
as a constant assurance of his presence to the anxious 
girl, Lawrence employed his spare hand and both feet in 
propelling his float ; endeavoring, also, to guide his surf- 
board around the rocky point upon which fifty English 
seamen were stationed to assist in the rescue, should the 
swimmers be tossed upon the island. 

As they approached the Point, the water shoaled so 
as to compel the mammoth surf to rear like a mettle- 
some charger ; rising higher and higher in its endeavor 
to override the rocky obstruction in its path, the once 
broadly arched surf-crest narrowed quickly at the top, 
until Lady Lucia was seen heading downward over the 
front of the breaker, while Lawrence was hanging by 
his full weight over the back of the wave. This awk- 
ward situation compelled him to swim up-hill with 
redoubled exertion, trying to hold his own until the 
wave should again broaden at the top sufficiently to con- 
tain both surfboard and swimmer. 

In that terrible emergency, countless jagged rocks 
began to appear before the swimmers down in the deep 
dark trough, protruding from ten to twenty feet above 
the shallow water over which the Prata must pass. A 


LET US DIE BRAVELY TOGETHER ! 


397 


thrill of horror ran through the doomed ones to be thus 
waylaid by these rock-demons, whose tangled sea-weed 
manes tossed exultingly in the turbulent waters, as one 
after another they emerged from the forward breaker, 
verily like Cyclopean monsters hungering for the ap- 
proaching victims. 

Not until that instant had Lady Lucia uttered a cry of 
terror or looked a glance of dissent since she emerged 
from the first cold grip of the breaker. But now she 
turned her head quickly, her wild eyes seeking one last 
look from Lawrence, — a last word with her dear one, — 
as she exclaimed with a cry of anguish, — 

“We are lost ! Oh, cling to me, darling, as you prom- 
ised, and let us die bravely together.” 

“ Trust me yet, dear girl. The surf may take us over. 
Shut your eyes and pray to Cod for succor.” 

But his words imparted no hope to Lucia, as her Law- 
rence’s face was deathlike, — white as the savage surf 
whereon they rode. His prophetic vision had already 
disclosed the dead girl tossing a mangled corpse on the 
breaker, and he who scorned fear for himself exposed 
his timidity for his darling. 

But at length, with a louder roar and a grander arch- 
ing of its crest, the stupendous breaker bore them over 
the tallest rocks that had lain ambushed in their path. 
Yet before they were wholly over the shoal, and fairly 
free of the leeward reef, Lawrence’s strength began to 
give out. Then his utmost efforts could not prevent the 
surfboard from sagging steadily backward, until both 
board and swimmer had slipped down the back of the 
wave, and Lawrence could see the black rocks looming 


398 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


over his shoulders, again threatening certain destruction 
to them both. 

Even in that hopeless moment a happy thought 
flashed through his mind, and he shouted to Lady Lucia, 
who was an expert swimmer, to use her arms, and pad- 
dle with all her might. Fastening his teeth upon her 
garment at the ankle, Lawrence brought his two arms 
into play ; and, by the superhuman exertions of both 
swimmers, the buoyant little Prata drew slowly up the 
back of the breaker, gaining inch by inch, until they 
rounded fairly over the broadening crest of the surf, and 
were safe for the moment. 

So desperate had been their efforts to impel the surf- 
board well over the front of the wave that they risked 
going too far, for they advanced until the thin, white 
hands of the brave little Lucia were seen paddling 
against the empty air. The fleet Prata had been pro- 
jected a third of its length beyond the overhanging arch 
of the breaker. 

Lawrence resumed his original hold upon Lady Lucia, 
— but for whose timely aid they would have been dashed 
upon the rocks, — and, exhausted as he was, managed to 
steady the surfboard over the remaining distance, as 
the sea deepened quickly, while the surf steadily dimin- 
ished down to the edge of smooth water. Soon as he 
could recover his breath, Lawrence addressed a needed 
word of cheer to Lucia, who was so completely overcome 
that her little head lay almost lifeless upon the wet 
pillow. 

“ My brave girl ! cheer up, for we are safe now. You 
saved both of our lives in that moment of peril. Let us 


“ WE ARE ALMOST FREE ! ” 


399 


thank God for answering your prayer, while we may. 
Dear Lucia ! I would not be elsewhere at this moment 
for all the world.” 

“Yes, dear Lawrence, I realized the danger; but I 
trusted in you, who have never yet failed me. You, who 
not only restored me to life, but have also made me brave 
and strong in spite of my sickness and loss of heart.” 

“ Look, dear one ! and see how the steamer's boats are 
racing along with the surf to our rescue. Our ocean- 
steed is too fleet for them, for we are riding swift as the 
wind.” 

“ I see them ; and I, too, am glad to be here in the act 
of being saved by you. The joyful thought links me to 
life again, and re-assures me of the. mercy and justice of 
God, who, I thought, had forsaken us forever.” 

“The ordeal has been a severe one to us all, and I 
have been as rebellious as yourself. Now that the dan- 
ger is past, look out over the water. Is it not glorious 
to have mastered these mad waves, and to ride them as 
one rides a well-trained racer ? ” 

“Yes, my Lawrence; it is indeed grand and glorious! 
But to me, darling, he who has mastered these sea- 
monsters is greater than they. Oh, my darling, my 
strongest incentive to live is that I may love and honor 
you as you deserve.” 

“Bless you, dearest, you have already honored me 
more than I deserve. Look ! we are almost free ; for 
these breakers are but puppets, after such as we have 
ridden upon.” 

“ Dare I ask you to look back, and tell me if I am 
fatherless ? ” 


400 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ The Earl is safe, two seas behind us, but farther to 
the west.” 

“ Thank God ! Oli, how grateful I feel ! Noble 
Raiatea deserves well of us.” 

“ Yes, my love ; and he shall never know want, or 
need welcome from this hour.” 

“ Amen ! to that promise, dearest.” 

Soon as they shot fairly out into the tranquil sea, 
Lawrence swam forward and caressed the pale cheeks 
of his loved one, kneaded her neck and rubbed her icy 
hands, till the boat arrived. Lucia could only smile in 
answer to his attention, and faintly respond to his loving 
glances and words of endearment. Her strength had 
vanished, and she was chilled from her drepching in the 
icy water. 

The Raiatea came bounding out of the breakers a 
little way to the westward, and the brave Tahitian was 
heard shouting in well-merited applause at his success, 
as he had earned the right to do. 

The first boat came pulling down at the utmost speed, 
in command of Lord Montford, Lady Seymour’s cousin, 
and tears were streaming down his Lordship’s cheeks 
at sight of the corpse-like girl. He brought his boat 
gently alongside the Prata, ready to receive Lucia and 
Lawrence. 

The bands which bound Lady Lucia to the surfboard 
were cut, and she was lifted tenderly into the boat and 
taken to the stern-sheets by Montford. Lawrence 
climbed over the gunwale, and requested that the Prata 
be taken in tow and carefully hoisted on board the 
steamer. 





I 












RESCUED. 


401 


Taking Lucia from the arms of Montford, who seemed 
most reluctant to part with her, Lawrence wrapped a 
boat-cloak about the half-swooning girl, and bade the 
men pull for the steamer with all their might, as the 
frail creature in his arms had barely strength to ask, — 

“ Is father alive, dearest ? ” 

“Yes, dear; I saw him move his arms as they were 
lifting him into the other boat.” Thus assured, Lucia 
fainted, and lay limp and lifeless in her lover’s arms. 
Montford was greatly affected, as he believed his cousin 
was dead. 

Lawrence urged the crew to do their utmost ; appeal- 
ing to their sympathy by telling them that Lady Sey- 
mour was chilled to the bone, and would die if not soon 
relieved. The burly tars responded to his demand, till 
the pliant ash sprung, and the cutter leaped over the 
water like a bird. Well they knew a brave act when 
they saw it accomplished ; and while they honored the 
hero who had thus risked his life to rescue the girl, they 
mourned with a real grief to see her now lying dead in 
his arms, as they believed, and hot tears were stealing 
down the tawny cheeks of the burly fellows as they 
pulled and sobbed in genuine sympathy with the hero. 

As the boat shot alongside, a chair was lowered by a 
whip-tackle for Lawrence’s reception. He sprang into 
it with Lucia in his arms, and was quickly hoisted to 
the deck. There Admiral Seymour met them at the 
gangway with a warm greeting, exclaiming, in the fervor 
of his gratitude, — 

“ Thank God that I live to see this day ! Captain 
Lawrence, you are a noble fellow, a brave man ; and you 


402 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


are always found where some perilous work is to be 
accomplished. This deed merits knighthood, and you 
shall have the honor, if an old sea-dog retains credit 
with his queen. — Montford, do the honors of the cabin, 
while I wait to receive St. Clare. The steward has pre- 
pared hot blankets, and the doctor will administer a hot 
stimulant.’’ 

Montford led the way down to the Admiral’s cabin, 
where everything had been prepared to restore the half- 
dead girl, who began to show indications of a congestive 
chill. The steward brought the blankets from the galley 
stove, and laid them in the berth ; and, as soon as the 
old surgeon had administered his hot whiskey and water, 
Lawrence placed his charge in the welcome folds of the 
blankets, with hot bottles at her feet, and then began to 
divest the unconscious girl of her wet garments, which 
were replaced by some of her own clothing previously 
saved from the ship. 

These attentions had the desired effect within an hour. 
A slight moisture was induced, together with an easy 
breathing, ending by the resuscitated girl’s dropping 
into a quiet, restful slumber. 

This accomplished, a cup of hot coffee and a bountiful 
breakfast were furnished Lawrence for the time j and he 
made a rousing meal from whatever was set before him, 
as an inordinate hunger had been induced by his unpala- 
table diet of raw fish. He then wheeled one of the 
Admiral’s easy-chairs near to Lady Lucia’s berth, and 
fixed himself for the much needed rest after the long, 
hard strain upon his nerves. 

The old Earl was brought down in a most critical con- 


BOUND FOR HONG KONG. 


403 


dition, as he had been rolled over, buried in the surf, 
and half drowned. Raiatea had had a difficult task to 
propel one so weighted with terror as to be of no assist- 
ance in managing the surfboard. The Raiatea could not 
be kept on the breaker that they embarked upon, and 
when the following comber overtook them and buried 
the Raiatea fathoms deep, the brave Tahitian became 
hopeless of rescuing his human freight from a watery 
grave. But, after many hours of assiduous labor, the old 
nobleman now began to rally, until he, too, was saved, 
and fell into a heavy slumber. 

As soon as a head of steam could be made, the steamer 
was got under way and shaped her course for Hong Kong. 
Before sundown she was fifty miles away from the 
never-to-be-forgotten Pratas — the most treacherous 
shoal in the most dangerous of seas. 

Lawrence devoted himself exclusively to Lady Lucia, 
who awoke weak and feverish from the terrible strain 
upon her nervous system. She could not bear to have 
her lover out of her sight for an instant. As no other 
opportunity was found for Lawrence to relate his expe- 
rience while on board the wreck, the Admiral and Lord 
Montford gathered about Lady Seymour’s stateroom, 
eager for every detail of the marvelous rescue ; for the 
wreck of the Greyhound, and the singular escape of her 
noble passengers on surfboards, stands unprecedented in 
the record of maritime disasters. 

Tears streamed down the cheeks of the venerable 
Admiral, as he listened to the strange recital of finding 
his starved niece and corpse-like brother. And when 
Lucia related the pathetic sequel in her weak and tender 


404 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


voice, — which Lawrence meant not to disclose, — telling 
how her devoted lover had drained his own life-blood to 
save the fluttering spark of her existence, after the pro- 
visions had been exhausted, then the white-haired Ad- 
miral sprang up and embraced the hero, and fell on his 
breast, weeping at such unheard-of devotion. 

It was indeed a proud moment for the rescued peeress, 
when she witnessed the appreciation of Lawrence’s self- 
sacrifice and brave acts by such men as Sir Michael, 
Captain Walsh, and Lord Montford. And well was the 
young hero repaid for all that he had risked and en- 
dured for his idolized Lucia, when her fond blue eyes 
beamed tenderly and prayerfully upon him, as he sat 
there holding her hand and relating the full text of his 
story. 

Much that Lawrence had to tell was as new to Lady 
Seymour as to the other listeners. For, when he came 
to the rescue, her mental faculties were in such a dazed, 
almost imbecile state that she did not comprehend much 
that transpired at the time, nor could she remember 
aught of it afterwards. 

The steamer arrived at Hong Kong late on the follow- 
ing day, and proceeded at once to Kow-Loon, as the 
healthiest resort in the summer months. Governor 
Dinsmore was informed of the rescue, and at once sent 
his state barge for the whole party; insisting upon their 
making their abode with him while they remained at 
the port. Lawrence demurred somewhat at intruding 
upon the Governor, and even the Admiral’s urgent 
appeal could not persuade him to the contrary. But 
when Lady Seymour declared that she would not go 


GUESTS OF GOV. DINSMORE. 


405 


without him, the stubborn fellow gave up, and joined 
the party; especially when he learned that the Fleet- 
wing had long since sailed for America. 

Never had Admiral Seymour shown such hearty good- 
will toward Lawrence as now. He sounded his noble 
deeds about upon all social occasions, and, as may well 
be imagined, the society of Kow-Loon was full of sym- 
pathy for the lovers, about whom there centered a most 
romantic interest; so desperate had been the heroism 
displayed in the rescue, and so exalted was the rank of 
the rescued ones. 

Sir John and Lady Angelina welcomed the party 
including the Admiral and Lord Montford, to their 
sumptuous official residence, where everything was done 
to make their guests happy and at home. Both the Admi- 
ral and the Governor set to work upon dispatches for the 
home government, to be forwarded by the Earl when he 
sailed, as all of their previous dispatches had been lost 
in the Greyhound. And it is needless to say that Cap- 
tain Lawrence’s brave deeds were set forth in a stronger 
light than ever. 

As Lady Lucia objected to Lawrence’s leaving her 
even for a day, Captain Drinker was sent for, at the 
Governor’s request. He stated that the Fleetwing had 
sailed two months before. Braybrook, the mate, was 
put in charge by the Consul. As the belief was general 
that Lawrence was either killed or enslaved for life by 
the pirates, there seemed to be no reason why a new 
captain should not be appointed and the vessel sent 
home. 

Much to the delight of the Seymours, this left Law- 


406 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


rence at liberty to return to England with them. This 
he probably would have done under the circumstances, 
as Lady Lucia had induced many promises that he would 
never leave her again. Now, at her earnest request, the 
banns of their marriage were officially published at the 
end of the week, the final ceremony to be consummated 
at the earliest period of returning health, as father 
and daughter declared that never again could they be 
separated from one so endeared to them by recent 
events. 

Though the most strenuous endeavors were made to 
induce Lawrence to disclose what he knew about the 
stronghold of the pirates, he persistently refused at 
present. Such was his sympathy for Aloata, and his 
belief in her statement that the leading men at Pulo 
Gular were bent upon weeding out the low scum of 
humanity who were proscribed to the Point Settlement, 
when they would abandon active piracy. 

In the public press, Captain Lawrence explained that 
the pirates proper were but a small minority among the 
thrifty and well-meaning inhabitants of Gular. Thus, 
if the new rulers chose to reform their present manner 
of life, by expelling all obnoxious persons and abandon- 
ing piracy, they should be permitted to do so. At all 
events, as his life was spared upon his solemn pro- 
mise not to betray the whereabouts of their strong- 
hold, he would give them five years to accomplish the 
good work. If they failed to do it, he would then give 
what information he had to impart, and perhaps lead an 
armed expedition against them. 

In this brief disclosure Lawrence forbore to inform 


aloata’s bequest. 


407 


the public of there being not less than fifty million dol- 
lars of treasure hidden in the secret vaults of the great 
temple of Chandi Sewa ; lest this information should 
induce the whole world of pious reformers to join in a 
holy crusade against the pirates — not because of their 
piracy, but for the purely moral task of robbing the 
robber. 

Learning that Lord Eldon, the new ambassador to 
China, a lawyer of great legal attainments, was a life 
director in the Bank of England, Lawrence presented a 
case parallel to his own : Wherein a person came into 
legal possession of documents making over to him a 
valuable bequest consisting of large deposits in the 
Bank of England, though said bequest was demised by 
an outlaw, the property having been legally acquired 
from a deceased parent’s estate. 

Without hesitation his Lordship declared in the affir- 
mative. Stating in detail that the prime question for 
the bank to decide would be the identity of the person 
holding the certificate of deposit, and the demise of 
the original holder of the property. 

With this opinion for a basis, Law r rence put Aloata’s 
documents into Lord Eldon’s hands, requesting a written 
confirmation of his decision. 

Captain Forbes and Lieutenant Bingold were called in 
to bear witness to the death of the pirate queen. Also 
to testify that Lawrence was found in possession of said 
documents when rescued after the explosion of the Arsi. 
In this way Lawrence was confirmed in his legal holding 
of deposits in the Bank of England, valued at a million 


408 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


and a half dollars, acquired from Aloata’s paternal 
inheritance, and bequeathed under the hand and seal of 
the testatrix, witnessed in Chinese characters by 
Lieutenant Hong Along, and by Scotia McAlpin in rude 
but intelligent Celtic. 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 


HOMEWARD BOUND. 


OUND homeward, to one that has wandered far, 



and tarried long years away from loved home and 
dear friends, is man’s first appreciative foretaste of bound 
Godward. 

It was a charming day in the harvest month of 
September, when the silk-laden ship Sea Queen ran 
merrily down through the Sunda Straits, home-bound 
from Singapore to London. The beautiful American 
clipper had carried the wind strong until late in the 
afternoon, when the mystic influence of the coming 
southeast trade — which pervades the Indian Ocean — 
began to be felt, and suddenly clipped the wings of the 
monsoon, which does not often extend south beyond the 
verge of green water. 

As night closed down upon the ship, Captain Noble 
took his “ departure” from the famous Krakatoa. Java 
Heads were just lifting their frowning crags from out 
the deepening shadows, on the port side, while the moon- 
touched mountains of Sumatra rose into lofty peaks on 
the other hand. 

Creeping slowly up from the southern ocean, the huge 
refracted moon could be seen lurking beyond the hill- 
tops of Java, stealing slantwise up with timid footsteps 
behind the long line of palm trees that fringed the rising 


409 


410 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


ground. The verge of the eastern cliffs trended upward 
so nearly in line with the rising moon that the slow- 
coming orb continued to peer down through the pendu- 
lous fronds of the palms with furtive glances, verily 
as if invisible fingers were parting the long plumy leaves 
to make apertures for her shining. 

The humid night-airs were becoming dense with the 
delicious aroma wafted out from the aromatic shores ; an 
exquisite mingling of rare perfumes exuded from tropic 
fruits, fragrant flowers, and spice-laden shrubs ; enticing 
scents that pervade the nostrils with sensuous delight, 
and woo the heart into a happy mood en rapport with 
the fairy-like scene. 

On such a night every element in nature gathers rev- 
erently about the moon-throne, as pilgrims flock to a 
holy shrine in rapturous mood to pay homage to all 
things bright and beautiful ; while earth, air, and ocean 
seem thickly peopled with invisible presences which 
hover about on poised wings, fanning the odorous air as 
they pass ; giving assurance of their presence in the 
whispered benedictions which they let fall upon the 
just, and the sweet solace of hope that they breathe into 
the hearts of the pure and lowly. 

Softly and quietly the home-bound ship rippled 
through the moon-touched waters, sailing as motionless 
and noiseless as the bronze-colored clouds occasionally 
seen stealing like cowled monks through the evening 
sky. Still the gently blowing breeze clung affectionately 
to the Sea Queen, loath to unclutch its farewell grasp 
from a thing so graceful and queenly as a ship with a 
cloud of white wings aspiring star ward. 


THE DYING MONSOON. 


411 


The moon had now risen until the whole aquatic 
scene was made lustrous with her light, gilding the fluc- 
tuating weather-vane at the main-truck, and tinting the 
sheeny canvas till every sail in mid-air seemed animate 
with life, as ’twere the white wing of a seabird. 

Now that the dying monsoon had nearly blown out, 
its touch became more tender, and its breathing grew 
broken and sobbing, like an expiring mortal conscious of 
dissolution. The wind first forsook the great courses 
and other lower sails ; then lingering for a while in the 
full-breasted topsails, where it clung with the tender 
grace of long companionship, and reluctantly left them 
to pay its whole attention to the topgallant-sails and 
royals. Finally, it ended by whispering its latest breath- 
ings to the lofty skysails, its tiny playfellows which 
tower among the clouds ; leaving the whole vast spread 
of lower sails to hang limp and lifeless against the 
masts, till the ship lay as motionless upon the water as 
the companion isles. 

It was a night too bright and beautiful for slumber. 
An elysian scene too full of ennobling influences to be 
lost to human experience, lest it might never recur. At 
least, so thought two newly wedded hearts on the home- 
bound vessel, two sweetly blended souls that had been 
inured to a more temperate clime. 

Lady Lucia Lawrence and her husband had taken pos- 
session of the weather quarter boat, and sat hand-in-hand 
in the stern-sheets, watching the moonbeams glinting 
the sails with a silvery sheen, and looking off upon the 
bewitching radiance of the sea. 

To one gentle heart among the night-watchers there 


412 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


was something awe-inspiring in this death scene of the 
wind ; the well-defined interregnum of the Trades and 
Monsoons, together with the startling mystery of sailing 
upon a windless, waveless sea; while the ghostly mon- 
soon still lingered among the sky sails, with only the in- 
terlucent moonbeams between it and the mirror-like 
water. 

At midnight, the moon rode high in the zenith, flood- 
ing the slumbering sea and the breezeless ship with her 
golden effulgence ; and, but for an occasional undulation 
which rolled in from the southeast, the vessel now lay 
motionless upon the blue margin of the vast Southern 
Ocean. A white-winged albatross circled about the 
heads of the watchers, like some guardian spirit of the 
night ; while the mottle-backed Cape pigeons flew almost 
within reach, questioning with their askant eyes the 
propriety of wedded lovers thus trespassing upon the 
small hours, with Luna quadrupling their loves by her 
mystic rays. For even birds have the intelligence to 
vivisect loving emotions which are as epicene to them as 
to ourselves. 

An hour later the welcome trades began to ruffle the 
blue ocean into mimic billows, singing pleasing lullabies, 
as melodiously as homeland brooks when purling among 
meadow grasses and rustic flowers. The wind freshened 
steadily until every sail was drawing merrily. The 
studding-sails were sent out alow and aloft, speeding the 
Sea Queen swiftly on her homeward course. The lovers, 
charmed by the ever changing scene, still sat listening 
to the cooing breeze and the melodious murmur of the 
tiny wavelets, wondering to see the limp sails again 


LAWRENCE AND HIS GIRL-BRIDE. 


413 


bellying out to the new-born wind as gracefully as if 
carved in Serravezza marble. 

Lady Lawrence’s exquisite beauty was greatly enhanced 
by the bewitching moonbeams of such a night. Since 
her terrible experience upon the wreck, the girl had not 
fully regained her robust health, yet to her fond lover 
there was an ever present spiritual beauty about his girl- 
bride that well might make her seem a kindred spirit 
with the enchanting elements of beauty about them, 
while the lute-like accents of her voice, and the low sil- 
very ripple of her girlish laughter failed not to awaken 
new-found chords of tenderness in his heart. 

Ah, what a heaven-sent joy is the refined love of one 
noble heart for another. A bewildering emotion that 
adorns the loved face with a divine halo, lustrous as the 
presiding star of the firmament, and which comprises 
the most seductive anomaly in human experience. As 
the weird lunar influence controls the boundless ocean, — 
modulating its winds and acqelerating its tides, — so 
Lawrence’s love seemed to melodize Lucia’s every act 
and utterance ; quickening her deepest emotions until 
her azure eyes disclosed the secret joys of the heart, and 
her tell-tale lips prompted her lover to a feast of roses. 

Time had passed rapidly while the rescued ones were 
at Hong Kong, weaving the summer days into eventful 
months and changing seasons. Lady Seymour had 
quickly regained her health, at least sufficiently to be- 
come the all-willing bride of her hero of the sea. Her 
experience upon the wreck had taught her that none 
other could care for her so tenderly as Lawrence, and that 
no touch could prompt the sluggish blood into its vacant 


414 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


sluice-ways like his. The sequence of such reflections 
served to hasten the consummation of her wishes for an 
exclusive claim upon one so loved and so deserving. 

They were married in the humble fane of Grace Church 
in Victoria, with God to witness the consummation of 
their vows, and a few loving friends to participate in 
the public joy. It was the hearty wish of the Admiral, 
the Earl, and Governor Dinsmore, that the bride should 
have a public wedding and a sumptuous reception as be- 
came the rank of the St. Clares, and the fame and popu- 
larity of the bridegroom ; but those most interested de- 
clined all ostentation and publicity, with a firmness that 
was immovable. 

Two hearts that had so recently escaped from the 
dismal abode of death had necessarily become chastened 
and subdued in their joys for the present, if not forever. 
Such approximate acquaintance with death to the loved 
ones had led them both to apprehend new views of love 
and life. They had lived so near unto the presence of 
the Deity in those sad days that henceforth the vanities 
of life could find no place in their hearts. Henceforth 
their pleasures must consist of something less frivolous 
than empty show before their fellow-men, creating 
enmity and a false estimate of themselves. 

Soon after the marriage, there being no suitable vessel 
sailing for England, such as Lawrence and the Earl 
wished to venture in, Admiral Seymour, wishing to 
inspect another part of his fleet at the south, proposed 
taking the party across the China Sea to Singapore in 
one of his war steamers. This plan pleased all con- 
cerned, as several American clippers were known to be 


SOJOURN AT SINGAPORE. 


415 


loading at the free port of Singapore, some of which 
were chartered for London. 

A month’s residence in the salubrious climate of 
Southern India greatly benefited Lady Lawrence’s 
health, a resident English merchant, Mr. Beaver, tender- 
ing the party the hospitalities of his opulent home. 
There Lady Lucia regained her normal strength, and 
acquired something of the rich bloom of former days in 
her cheeks, and the old brightness and intelligence in 
her rare blue eyes. 

The Sea Queen was chartered and loaded by Mr. 
Beaver, and, when ready for sea, St. Clare and the Law- 
rences engaged passage in her for London, taking the 
whole after cabin for themselves. Raiatea and his Lord- 
ship’s valet soon took possession, and transported their 
masters’ personal effects on board. 

It was now their third night out from Singapore. 
The ship had been three days working her way down 
through the Gaspar Straits, past the North Watcher into 
the Straits of Sunda. The anxious passengers were 
glad to have escaped the ever-present danger found 
among the countless sunken reefs and coral isles at the 
North. Now the vast stretch of Indian Ocean and the 
Stormy Cape lay before them. It was Captain Noble’s 
purpose to touch only at Cape Town and St. Helena, so 
the homeward voyage became a pleasant anticipation to 
the lovers. 

As they sat in the quarter boat late into the small 
hours, Lawrence was the first to break the pleasant 
reveries into which they had fallen, — 


416 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ See, Lucia, the morning star is rising in the east, 
and the middle watch is nearly out. Time we were in 
our berths, my darling.” 

“ As you wish, my lord and master. Always remem- 
ber, dearest, that I shall henceforth indulge in the 
exquisite luxury of having another to care forme, — a 
dear, sweet privilege that only a convalescent woman 
can appreciate.” 

“Have you not become satiated with these ever 
changing beauties of the night ? ” 

“ Is it possible to indulge to excess in such enticing 
glories as these ? I am charmed with the countless 
inarticulate voices which are whispering in my ear. If 
God can unfold to us such an exquisite scene upon the 
sea, darling, tell me what the Father has in store for us 
among the stars.” 

“It is indeed a rare night scene that we have wit- 
nessed, — a fortunate experience for you, after the horri- 
ble impression you have acquired of the sea, from your 
sad imprisonment on the Greyhound. We have enjoyed 
the night so much that hereafter this spot should 
become a hallowed place in your memory.” 

“I never dreamed of anything so enchanting, and I 
hope that it may displace some of the nightmare visions 
of that awful wreck. Must I go just yet, darling? I 
shall do as you wish, but everything about us is so be- 
witching that it serves to sustain and not to tire one 
in the least.” 

“I am surprised at your endurance. I feared it 
might overtax you. But the air is so bland and the 
trades are so light, there is no danger of taking cold.” 


THE HALLOWED NIGHT-SCENE. 


417 


“Dear Lawrence, it is so kind of you to indulge me a 
little longer. As you say, I am trying to fill my 
memory with mellow moonlight and the merry music of 
these baby billows, hoping to displace* our previous ex- 
perience, the thought of which still makes me shudder.” 

“Well, my Lady, prattle away just a few minutes 
more, if you wish.” 

“Thanks. Life seems such an unusual luxury to your 
little wife to-night that she would fain fill the soul to 
the brim while she may. Do you know, I cannot divest 
my mind of the impression that the spiritual semblances 
of other dear ones are hovering about us now.” 

“ It is a surety of God’s love that I never doubt.” 

“My mother’s lullabies greet my ears to-night, sweeter 
than bird songs. I hear them in the breeze, I catch 
them in the purling sea. Shall I tell you some last wise 
sayings of Lady Maud’s before we retire ? ” 

“Yes, dearest, anything about your noble mother will 
ever be of interest to me.” 

“Calling me to her side during her last year at 
Moorland, she stroked my head with her dear hand, and, 
delving deep down into my girl soul, with her great soft 
eyes looking into mine, she said, ‘ Lucia, remember you 
are mother’s only child, the one only hope of my noble 
St. Clare. When mother is gone, darling, and laid away 
among the daisies by the lakeside, be thoughtful of the 
instructions she has given to her best loved. Be 
thoughtful about your associates among men. With 
your beauty and your rank, the world lies before you. 
Choose reverently, choose wisely, choose goodness and 
merit before all else, wherever you find it, Lucia. 


418 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“ 1 Remember, my darling child, that mere rank 3 wealth, 
or exalted position is no criterion of purity and goodness. 
Our hereditary aristocracy are tainted with many vices, 
and only the best of them are worthy of my daughter. 
Seek the counterpart of your noble father, if you expect 
to find happiness in this world ; and when you find such 
an one, cleave unto him as the earth cleaves to the sun, 
and find your well-being in gratifying his wishes/ ” 

With clasped hands and moist eyes, Lady Lawrence 
remained lost in solemn revery for a time, contemplat- 
ing the never-to-be-forgotten face of her sainted mother 
in the kindly visage of the moon. At length, taking her 
husband’s hand between her soft palms, she continued, — 
“ As I lay weeping upon her knees, Lady Maud raised 
my head and kissed me fervently upon the brow ; the 
glow of that kiss still lingers where the saintly mother 
placed it, for it was her last, as the Lord took her home 
that night. After kissing me, mother gathered me into 
her arms, with a foreboding shudder that she must soon 
part from her child. 

“We sat long in silence, until the twilight deepened 
around us, while mother sang me to sleep with one of 
her low, sweet melodies which has come back to me so 
vividly to-night. This token, dear husband, has become 
to your Lucia a sacred assurance that our dear mother is 
gratified with my choice of you, which adds an untold 
sweetness to my happiness — so blessed by your noble 
love ! ” 

The winsome creature drew her husband’s manly face 
down to her own, and touched her lips with a wifely 
fervor where they most loved to dwell. 


BY GOD’S SANCTION. 


419 


“This is, indeed, a pleasant assurance; and, coming 
from such a source, will ever be held sacred by me. But 
do you know, Lucia, that I fear you may sometimes be 
made to feel my lack of rank, when among your proud 
associates at home.” 

“Bank indeed! Think you that loving hearts are 
swayed by patrician birth ? You must surely know 
that your brave deeds will entitle you to the highest 
esteem among hereditary nobles ? As for me, I have 
chosen a husband as mother instructed, and I know that 
I have chosen well.” 

“It is well, dearest, if you have no cause to reflect 
upon your hasty choice.” 

“ Yes, my noble husband, it is ‘ well ; ’ it is more than 
well ! for the world holds not another such for me. In 
the great courts of Europe such heroism as yours is held 
in the highest esteem, entitles you to the foremost posi- 
tion in society, and leaves you the choice among the 
fairest women in the land.” 

“Ah, my Lucia, your arrogant aristocrats cannot be 
expected to look upon me with your partial eyes.” 

“You are wrong there, dearest. Witness the genuine 
homage that is paid you in these outskirts of creation. 
Fair women and noble men have everywhere estimated 
you at your true value. Have you not already scored 
two profound loves, and nearly buried them both in a 
season ? ” 

“Yes, dear, and it makes me tremble to think how 
near Aloata and my Lucia came to lying in adjacent 
ocean graves. God grant you may not err in the value 
you place upon me.” 


420 


THE WKECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


“If. it were not by God’s sanction, think you we 
should be here to-night ? And if we had not the appro- 
bation of my angel mother, her death song would not 
now dwell so pleasantly in my ear.” 

“ Nevertheless, it were best for a woman of rank to 
marry among her equals, and reflections will certainly 
be cast upon you that you have not mated with one of 
your own exalted rank.” 

“ Peace, peace, 0 my noble husband. When a proud 
descendant of the Somersets freely tenders her love to 
you, does not her hereditary rank become the strongest 
factor to prove that her affection is genuine and 
imperishable ? ” 

“You are becoming much too earnest and eloquent in 
your argument, and I must take you below, lest you 
overtax your newly acquired vitality. Blue eyes are 
growing bluer, and tinted cheeks have become too pro- 
fuse with roses. Your little fingers are throbbing in my 
grasp, and your voice has become tremulous with a tear- 
ful tenderness, lest I should not fully concur in your 
choice of a sailor man for a husband. Through it all, 
you did not quite discern the source of my fears ; that I 
tremble lest some cruel fate may yet snatch you from 
my arms, and place you as a new constellation in the 
sky, to shine where the lost Merope is seen no 
more — for wedding a mortal far beneath her celestial 
sphere.” 

With tender gallantry Lawrence pressed the pretty 
hand to his lips, stepped out upon the monkey-rail, and 
lifted Lucia to her feet. Calling to the Yankee officer 
of the watch to steady the step-ladder while Lady 


THE BLUE-EYED PILGRIM. 


421 


Lawrence descended to the deck, he assisted her down 
on her way to the cabin. 

“Not much use o’ my stan’in’ ar watch, I reckon, wid 
two sech wide-awake watchers ez you folkes ter look 
arter ther Sea Queen.” 

“Well, Mr. Jepson, I’m afraid such watchers would 
let the ship steer awry; for we’re more given to star- 
gazing than conning the. helm,” replied Lawrence. 

“I’d risk yer runnin’ down the North Watcher, wid 
two sech eyes ez hern to boss the job. I knows a thing 
er two ’bout blue e’es. I wuz onct young mysel’ — odd 
ez it may seem to yer — an’ hed gumpshun ’nough to 
pick out jes’ sich ar pair o’ blue ones. But thet wuz the 
end on’t — e’ena’most.” 

“ Oh ! Mr. Jepson,” exclaimed Lady Lawrence, “ you 
must tell us all about your blue-eyed lady, during some 
night watch. You will, won’t you, sir? For perhaps 
she was a relative of mine ; who knows ? ” 

“ Jerusalum ! no, mum. I reckon her folks wuz May- 
flower Pilgrims ; fur she wuz ar Cape Cod gal, big-footed 
fur travelin’ on sand, an’ wid her hide full o’ fish- 
bones.” 

“Well, you will tell me all about the little blue-eyed 
Pilgrim, won’t you ? ” 

“ I’ll calkerlate ’bout it, mum. Howsomebber, there’s 
not much ter tell. Jim Jepson jes’ gut the mitten, mum. 
An’ them ere blue e’es jist struck to the stomach. Then, 
yer see, young Jim he jes’ gut his ebinezer up, an’ sailed 
in the fust craft offerin’, for Injia: the Dolly uv Salem. 
Fust voy’ge, fifty years ago, mum.” 

“ Oh ! I’m so sorry. What a nice Mrs. Jepson she 


422 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


would have made, perhaps. And you have not forgotten 
her yet, have you ? ” 

“ Nary a time, mum. She most gin’rally stan’s ther 
watch wid ole Jep. Sallie Winthrop ain’t ther gal to 
leak out uv ar man’s mem’ry very soon. I hope to find 
her up in kingdom come, ’fore long, mum.” 

“ Well, good night to you and Sallie, Mr. Jepson.” 

“ Good-night, mum. I’ll lef’ Miss Sallie ter speak fur 
hersel’.” 

Here was a counter experience in human life, with 
which to contrast their own exquisite happiness. When 
in the privacy of their cabin, Lucia disclosed how her 
own gentle heart had been touched by Mr. Jepson’s 
story, as she exclaimed with a sigh, — 

“ How glad I am, dear Lawrence, that somebody didn’t 
jilt little me, that memorable night upon the balcony ; 
else I, too, might have become a loveless wanderer for 
half a century, like poor Mr. Jepson.” 

Though her voice was sad, and her face was serious, 
Lawrence’s merry laughter and pleasant raillery disclosed 
to his little wife that there was also a comical side to 
her suggestion. 


CHAPTER XXXV. 


THE WELCOME HOME. 



IHE memorable voyage of the Sea Queen ended 


safely with the ship’s arrival at London. Winter 
had since come and gone. The tardy English spring had 
indulged in playing loose and fast with the fickle season, 
with the coyness of a shy lover. 

At length the affluent June foliage began to robe the 
ancestral parks of old England. The fragrant hawthorn 
hedges gladdened the eye of the wayfarer, and the 
sweet-scented locusts along the roadside to Moorland 
were whispering of summer glory, tempting loving 
hearts over field and fell, and into bosky dells and 
garden bowers. 

It was a happy day for Lady Lucia and Sir Charles 
Lawrence when their sumptuous carriage approached 
the Moorland hills — her childhood’s home. At Lucia’s 
command, the driver of the family vehicle stopped on 
the brow of a breezy hill. When the dust made by the 
pawing steeds had blown from before them, she pointed 
out to Lawrence her ancestral domain, — now become 
her marriage dower, — and with girlish delight wel- 
comed him to one of England’s grandest manorial 
homes. 

Hot in all England is there a fairer scene than the 
flowery meads and undulating farm-lands seen lying 


423 


424 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


about the wood-fringed Moorland Mere, and the ancient 
birthplace of the Seymours, whose castellated walls are 
aged and ivy -clad, the work of centuries ; as Moorland 
Castle was once the favorite retreat of William the 
Conqueror, and by him bestowed upon the Somersets — 
the grandest ducal family of their day. 

Lucia had purposely made a wide detour that she 
might prepare a sweet surprisal for her much-loved 
husband, by disclosing her home from its best point of 
view. Seen from the south, the blue lake lay between 
them and the castle, beyond which rose the southern 
slope of rolling hills, with here and there great flocks of 
South Down sheep browsing the green herbage, as they 
were led hither and thither by their tyrannic bell-wether. 
Other fields grouped about the massive barns and out- 
buildings of the dairy, at the west, were thick strewn 
with comely milch-cows or fatted kine, feeding or rumi- 
nating beneath the hedge- rows and in the grateful shade 
of the scattered oaks. 

With linked hands and tender glances that disclosed 
sacred emotion too deep for utterance, the wedded pair 
sat silently gazing at the pleasing prospect spread out 
before them. The deeply indented valleys were dotted 
with thrifty tenant farms and their vine-clad cottages ; 
here sombered by shadow, and there smiling in the 
strong sunshine that lay in a shimmer of gold on the 
blue lake and green lea, and over forest and fell. It was 
an enticing picture of peace and plenty, most restful for 
the home-coming lovers to look upon after their experi- 
ence of wreck and starvation, together with the satiety 
of long years of travel in foreign lands. 


FIRST VIEW OF MOORLAND. 


425 


Well might Lawrence’s hand tighten upon the tremu- 
lous little fingers lying so confidingly in his own, and 
his loving eyes interpret his gladness to the wistful 
soul beside him. It was an occasion .of great joy to 
both; and excessive joys are so near akin to sadness 
that they sat tearful and speechless, until Lucia put up 
her quivering lips, and Lawrence touched them so lightly 
that even the alert coachman could not bear witness : 
except from Lucia’s low ripple of laughter, that tinkled 
on the air verily like the pretty brook by the roadside. 

Having found her tongue, Lady Lawrence continued 
to prattle like one of the merry linnets in the hawthorn 
hedge. “ Darling, all within the scope of your ken has 
been the heritage of the Somersets and Seymours for 
centuries. Being my father’s, it now becomes mine. 
Being mine, it henceforth becomes yours, because you 
are the keeper of Lucia Seymour and all she possesses.” 

Lawrence could only answer by pressing her little 
hand to his lips, as she glibly continued, — 

“ You who have been accustomed to make the wide 
world your domain, tell me truly, husband mine, will 
you not strive to be content ’midst such a happy scene 
as this ? Your little wife is ready to devote her whole 
life to beguiling you from the grand and beautiful, 
though treacherous sea.” 

“It is indeed a fair scene,- and I know no wish at 
present beyond possessing it and you.” 

“ But will it not be difficult for my sailor boy to ex- 
change the great ocean for such a bit of blue aqua as 
yonder mere ? ” 

“Perhaps it would, my Lucia, were there not a fair 


426 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


Leucosia domiciled upon its shore to charm me by the 
sweetness of her siren songs. It is a charming sheet of 
water in which to mirror cloud and sunshine, and bears 
a less dangerous billow than we boated upon when 
escaping from the Greyhound.” 

“ Look, my Lawrence ! yonder at Castle Pier lies the 
pretty yacht which you admired on the Thames. I pur- 
chased it, and hastened it on here to surprise you.” 

“Dear girl, you are full of surprises. You have a tact 
beyond the cunning craft of your sex, to include a boat 
in the matchless bounty of your love.” 

“ I hoped to please you, dearest, and wished to show 
how watchful I mean to be that your every desire may 
be gratified. Here you can launch your own little 
Aloata, — for thus I have named her, as you will see 
upon the stern, — and may seek less dangerous adven- 
ture than rescuing a starving maiden.” 

As the carriage skirted the margin of the blue mere, 
several children discovered the family vehicle across the 
lake, and shouted the glad news <pf their mistress’s ap- 
proach. Instantly the boisterous outcry was caught up 
from cottage to cottage, until every soul took up the 
shout — from hoary grandsire to toddling child — and 
one and all hastened to gather upon the castle lawn to 
greet their new master, and the loved daughter of their 
absent Earl. 

When Hob Roy, the venerable porter, swung wide the 
lodge gate to let them pass, Lucia saw by his white locks 
that time had been busy during her absence, pilfering 
the years from the old-time servants of the household 
and park. At the side of the gate-keeper stood his 


WELCOMED HOME. 


427 


buxom wife — anew acquisition — bowing and blushing, 
tolerably disturbed lest her mistress should not dis- 
cover the whiteness of her apron, which she smoothed 
down in a sweet, prim way. 

As the carriage wound slowly up the graveled road, 
the ever watchful birds twittered their accustomed wel- 
come as of old, peering into the smiling face of their 
young mistress, as eager to have their new plumage 
noticed as was Madge, the porter’s wife. 

From among the glad faces of the summer flowers, 
none showed more joy to see the coming lovers than the 
J une roses and great peonies, which were clustered about 
everywhere. Evidently they had not forgotten the 
dainty maiden of long ago, whose graces they had copied, 
and at whose coming they had ever perfumed their 
sweetest — • as to a fairer flower than they. 

Even the stately oaks and the great drooping elms — 
many of them decrepit with centuries — leaned lovingly 
over the happy young wife and whispered their glad 
benedictions as she passed. High above the slow-moving 
coach the venerable trees touched hands in token of 
their delight, greeting the wedded pair with the paternal 
visage of grandsires, showing a fond remembrance of the 
brown-haired, blue-eyed girl, whose springtime shouts 
once caused their low-hanging leaves to dance with de- 
light at her coming. 

The merry shouts of a hundred rosy children greeted 
the comers, as they ran forward to cast their flowers 
into the open carriage, with a universal cry of “ Sweets 
to the sweet ! ” The tearful welcome of the parents 
evinced a deeper reverence, as they strewed their floral 


428 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


offerings along the road, where passed the last scion of 
the great house of Seymours, whom they loved as if she 
were their own child. 

Old men prayed aloud in thankfulness to God, in glad 
outbursts of senility. As they lifted their shriveled 
hands into the air, their white locks streamed in the 
wind, till they appeared like a host of patriarchs making 
offerings at some shrine of Mecca. 

Great was the joy of one and all that the much-loved 
heiress of Moorland Castle had been snatched from a 
winding sheet of waters, and had come back to gladden 
their old eyes once more. To children, parents, and the 
tottering grandsires, Sir Charles bowed often, for his 
name was constantly coupled with Lady Lucia’s, by what- 
ever appellation her people addressed her ; for not a 
child among them all but had been taught by whose 
heroism she had been saved, and unto whom they were 
indebted not only for the life of their young mistress, 
but also for that of the noble Earl. 

Soon as the carriage stopped before the Castle, it was 
quickly inclosed without by a half-circle of tenants upon 
the lawn. The house servants were gathered upon the 
veranda, and within the hall ; while the housekeeper, 
steward, butler, and other trusted members of the house- 
hold crowded into the porch, eager to greet their young 
mistress and her noble husband. 

The steward was already known to Sir Charles, having 
made frequent business calls at the town-house of the 
Seymours, in London ; and he now presented his com- 
panions. The rubicund old butler came waddling down 
the double line of under servants, the big tears trickling 


PORTRAIT OF LADY MAUD. 


429 


over his corrugated face at the warm greeting he received 
from Lady Lawrence ; for Rawley was the third genera- 
tion of butlers born and reared at the Castle, and was 
held in high remembrance by Lady Lucia. Other prom- 
inent personages of the household were presented to 
their new master and much-loved mistress. 

After the servants had been dismissed, the matronly 
housekeeper showed the happy couple to the sumptuous 
suite of rooms which she had been ordered to prepare 
for their reception. 

Having laid aside their dusty garments, washed, 
dressed, and partaken of a hasty lunch, at the insistence 
of the paternal butler, Lady Lawrence took the arm of 
her husband and led the way to the library ; a massive 
old room, quaintly furnished with its antique surround- 
ings. Facing the south, it overlooked the lake and a 
wide sweep of thrifty farm -lands, and had ever been the 
favorite resort of Lady Maud and her studious daughter. 

After gazing their fill upon the charming landscape, 
Lucia led her husband across the room to show him the 
lifelike portrait of the Countess, her revered mother. 
Seen by the lingering glow-light of a declining sun, this 
rare semblance from the hand of the great Lawrence was 
worthy of all praise. Lady Maud was one whom Lucia 
had adored in her childhood, and now revered as an ever- 
present Spirit of the blest. 

A flood of youthful recollections welled up from the 
long-gone years as Lucia bowed her head before the 
sainted mother, gathering about her in the dim light of 
the dying day like veritable embodiments of the sad 
past, come forth to welcome the young wanderer to her 


430 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


home. The occasion and the hour had the effect to over- 
come the young bride, until she burst into tears, and fell 
upon her knees in an outburst of mingled grief and joy, 
calling aloud to the sainted parent, — 

“ O mother ! mother ! will you not permit me to look 
upon your dear face once more ; will you not bend earth- 
ward from the God-land and behold my joy ? See, 
precious mother, whom I have brought to our loved 
home to revere your memory in company with your 
child. Come forth into this cherished room, and bless 
the dear one who rescued your husband and your child, 
as you used to bless me at this hallowed hour. 

“ See, she comes ! the dear mother comes at my call, 
to bless us, and sanctify our lives to each other.” And 
she held out her hands to Lawrence, who was reverently 
kneeling by her side, and watched while he received the 
invisible blessing which she had so earnestly invoked. 
Hand in hand they knelt there in the deepening twi- 
light, with subdued hearts and aroused souls, intent upon 
receiving a blessing from the sweet-faced Christian who 
peered down from the canvas like a spiritual presence 
upon them. At length they rose, and Lucia seated her 
husband in her mother’s chair, which was sacredly kept 
where Lady Maud last occupied it. She drew an otto- 
man to Lawrence’s side for further conversation ; but he 
caught his young wife in his arms, and nestled her close 
to his heart ; brooding over her as with the sheltering 
wings of Love. There they sat through a quiet hour in 
the gathering gloom, grown dumb with new revelations, 
as the complex surprisals of their love dawned upon 
them at unexpected moments. 


ENDEARMENTS OF HOME. 


431 


Not a word was spoken throughout that hushed twi- 
light hour. Lawrence was left to interpret the voiceless 
emotions which brooded over his little wife as best he 
could. He was left to listen to her uncertain respiration, 
and guess the mystery of her tremulous heart-beats, as 
she lay like a delinquent angel in his arms — one tempted 
from high heaven to partake of the bliss of a rare hu- 
man love. 

She, dear soul, could not help peopling her silence 
with an exquisite vehemence of emotion that imparted 
its rapture through every quivering fiber of her being. 
Ardently as she had loved her husband amidst all the 
varied scenes through which they had passed, she found 
something new and delicious in the sanctity of this 
home-love which crept over her like a divine elixir from 
the gods. 

It was a fit occasion for Lady Lawrence to have related 
many reminiscences of this favorite room of the Count- 
ess. But the hour was passed in silent communion by 
the bridal pair, until the chapel chimes called them to 
prayer. Lucia had previously expressed a wish that 
the village pastor should be sent for, and the tenants 
notified that the family would hold a praise meeting, in 
thanksgiving for the safe return of the Earl, Sir Charles, 
and herself. 

Allowing due time for the people to gather and be 
seated, the wedded pair wended their way down the 
aisle to join in the vespers, under the lead of the young 
curate of Moorland Cure. It proved another occasion 
for the affectionate people to show their joy at the 
return of the long absent family. 


432 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


The happy pair ended their evening with a quiet walk 
at the lakeside, where the stars were reflected in the 
glassy amplitude of water : Orion and the Northern 
Bears having taken the place of the Southern Cross and 
its compeers, as seen in the mirrored waters off Java 
Head upon one never-to-be-forgotten night. 

The few weeks that remained to them before the 
influx of summer visitors began were made use of by' 
the Lawrences in becoming acquainted with their ten- 
ants, and inspecting their vast landed estate, as it was 
their wish to do something for the welfare of every 
family on the broad domain. This pleasant task was 
accomplished after many charming gallops over hills 
and dales, and in the daily course of their rides many a 
reminiscence of her girlhood was awakened in the 
memory of Lady Lawrence, exquisite tidbits with which 
to enchant a lover’s ear. 

Every hedge and hill, field and farm unbosomed some 
youthful frolic or memorable incident of her girl life, all 
of which in their minutest detail possessed a subtle 
charm for Lawrence, beyond the fate of battle or the 
destiny of nations. Lucia’s five years’ absence had 
wrought a marvelous change in herself, revolutionizing 
her views of life. Her heart was now filled with aspira- 
tions for the good of others. Yet she loved to expatiate 
upon her vanished girlhood, when she lived free as the 
wind and frolicsome as a fawn, all of which now seemed 
so unaccountable even to herself. 

“ Can you believe it, Charles, the scenes that I have 
portrayed for you of my unsophisticated childhood seem 
to have happened but yesterday. Pleasurable pastimes 


HER MOTHER’S SAYINGS. 


438 


were then the one glorious object of life. The birds 
and I were playfellows the whole day long. I catered 
to them in choicest food, and they sang to me their 
sweetest songs. The very leaves seemed to vibrate 
musically at my coming; while the violets, the daisies, 
and their sister flowers even knew me for their com- 
panion.” 

“ Ah, Lucia, now I know where you caught the tender 
blue which captivated your sailor lover, when he lay 
wounded on the great flagship at Hong Kong.” 

“ Dearest, that reminds me of one of darling mother’s 
quaint sayings while out in the fields, when she wished 
to be left in quiet with her sketching, 1 Lucia, go 
whisper a story to the daisies, and they will answer you 
back in kind with a prettier tale than you can invent, if 
your small ears are alert to catch their floral tattle. Go 
peep into the faces of the violets, with their modest 
downcast heads, for there is a tenderness in their azure 
luster which your pretty eyes have not yet acquired.’ ” 

“What a charming woman Lady Maud must have 
been. Since I have learned some of her pleasing 
characteristics, I can trace many of the noble qualities 
of the mother in the daughter, and I fain would believe 
that a child’s best mental acquisitions are oftenest 
imparted by the mother.” 

“ I, too, love to think so. Though the best years of 
my life have been spent in close companionship with 
my father, the statesman, scholar, and philanthropist, 
who ever sought to impart the great precepts of life in 
language fitted to my understanding, yet I know that 
many of the subtle, delicate mental qualities with which 


434 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


I am endowed were imparted by the all-hallowed mother 
mind.” 

“ But I have interrupted your pleasing reflections 
about your girlhood. Tell me more, for such juvenile 
revelations from one we love have an exquisite charm. 
I had a brief boyhood like other lads, but my fifteen 
years of eventful sea-life have dimmed the recollections 
of my youth, and left the girl- life of a budding maiden a 
sealed book to me. Could you tell me the inner life of 
a star, or the juvenile life of an angel, you would not 
delve into a more profound mystery to a toiler of the 
sea than the exquisite sanctuary of a pure maiden’s 
heart in the budding days of springtime.” 

“ I hope you will not tire of the daily exhibition of 
my present inner life, darling, because in baring my 
soul to you I disclose your own reflection mirrored on 
its sacred vellum everywhere.” 

“ Commend me to a beautiful woman for finding ways 
and means to compel a man to believe she loves him, so 
I promise not to be offended should I observe some 
slight return of my affection.” 

“ Oh, you rogue, you are putting witticisms upon me. 
But I was thinking how everything and everybody 
seemed to have grown old as by a century during my 
absence. Even the birds do not sing wholly to me as of 
old.” 

“ Such a change is naturally acquired while enlarging 
the scope of our observation by travel. In our youth 
we seem the center of the universe, and all things seem 
made for our pastime.” 

“It must be so. These moss-grown rocks and the 


NATURAL REFLECTIONS. 


435 


gnarled oaks seem older, yet they cannot have aged a 
particle since I romped among them with my pet lamb 
and dog Fido.” 

“ These are natural reflections, and they bring a 
glimpse of my own boyhood thoughts after returning 
from a voyage.” 

“ I once thought life was a long, long period. Now, 
everybody and all things seem to be hastening to the 
grave. Since you snatched me from death, I must confess 
that the hour of dissolution seems ever drawing near.” 

“Yes, your sad experience was seared into memory. 
The scene on the wreck remains a terrible nightmare, 
which will haunt us our whole lives long. It is in itself 
an element of dissolution, deleterious to health, and 
must be avoided in every possible way, especially in 
your present condition.” 

“True, dear love, I know you are right, and I wish 
you would impress father with this view of the case, as 
he loves to dwell upon those events much too often for 
his good or for ours.” 

“This matter of the seeming proximity of death is an 
idle fear, and should be lived down ; for to harbor it is 
to hasten its coming.” 

“ Out of the reflection that life is but a span, there 
comes another ; that our brief stay on earth should be 
employed doing good to others, and thereby making a 
good record for ourselves.” 

“ Nowhere in life are good works so much called for 
as on a great estate like this, where duties are enshrined 
as pleasures, more beneficent than ruling a kingdom.” 

“I am glad you think so, dearest. I have dear 


436 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


mother’s example before me. Though it did not greatly 
impress me in the romping days of girlhood, it now 
accompanies her spiritual presence everywhere, and 
prompts me to find daily occupation in comforting the 
poor and lowly. I am so glad to find a co-worker in my 
noble husband.” 

“ Yes, my little wife may count on my support in all 
such matters. This reminds me that I wish to turn my 
Aloata investment into a charity fund. It is my inten- 
tion to invest some portion of it in suitable dowers for 
our young married tenants. That pretty maiden who is 
to be married to-morrow shall be dowered with a thou- 
sand dollars ; and I leave you to manage it in some 
delicate way of your own. I wish to make the gift to 
the lass, instead of to the lover, as it will serve to create 
in him a respect for his dowered wife. And then, 
Lucia, I would perpetuate your own heroic example in 
marrying one so much beneath you.” 

“ Oh, you naughty boy ! But your plan is a delightful 
one. The lass, Leroy, is as deserving as she is pretty. 
It will make the young bride so happy to start in life 
with such a dower. As I have prepared several useful 
domestic gifts for the girl, the dower had best come from 
you ; for I would that our people about the castle should 
know my precious husband as I know him.” 

Thus the happy June weeks passed swiftly, in occupa- 
tions that served to chasten the heart and ennoble the 
mind above the petty frivolities of life. But the time 
approached when they would be called upon to devote 
the best part of their time to the onerous hospitalities 
becoming their rank and estate. 


THE VISITING SEASON. 


437 


Before Lady Lawrence rendered the charge of her 
estate to her husband, with a loving woman’s tact, she 
prompted Sir Charles to invite some of the leading 
minds among her country’s statesmen and literati to visit 
Moorland Castle, as a means of making endurable the 
presence of several boorish country squires, whom 
custom would compel them to receive a few weeks each 
coming season. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 


LIFE AT MOORLAND. 

TT was five years subsequent to events related in pre- 
-L vious chapters when the writer made his first visit to 
London, and, afterwards, to Moorland Castle, at the 
urgent request of his old shipmate, Lawrence, while last 
in America. 

Sir Charles and Lady Lawrence came over to attend 
the brilliant wedding of his adopted sister, pretty Nellie 
Lawrence of Eleetwing fame ; also to adjust the business 
of his last voyage, which had been so abruptly broken 
off at his abduction by the pirate queen ; and to purchase 
a more commodious estate and settle it upon his mother 
and sisters, who could not be induced to take up their 
abode in England. 

Father Lawrence, Nellie, and her husband took passage 
with them on their return in the Baltic ; the bride and 
groom going to spend their honeymoon at Moorland 
Castle. It was a gratifying reunion for the Boston 
Lawrences, who could never forget at what peril their 
lives had been saved from the wreck on St. Paul’s rock, 
in the middle of the Atlantic; a thrilling account of 
which was related to the goodly company of nobles 
convened at the Castle. 

Sir Charles continued to address sister Nellie by the 
fraternal title which she had so loved from the first 
momentous days of their acquaintance. Doubtless, 

438 


NELLIE LAWRENCE. 


439 


Nellie was greatly disappointed at the marriage of her 
adopted brother ; but endeavored to make the best of it, 
by accepting the most favored of her numerous admirers, 
a Boston lawyer, with whom Sir Charles was so pleased 
that he made him the confidential agent of his numerous 
large interests in American investments. 

This business connection subsequently necessitated 
other yearly interviews, upon which occasions Nellie 
usually accompanied her husband to England. During 
their honeymoon, Lady Lawrence opened her heart and 
her home to the newly wedded pair, giving a warm 
reception to the beautiful girl-wife, as she rightfully 
deemed that Nellie had as good cause for gratitude to 
Sir Charles as herself. 

As springtime buds blossom in their season, so the 
vernal hopes of youth fructify in due time ; thus the 
beautiful family of Sir Charles Lawrence had developed 
about their handsome parents before our arrival. It was 
in these happy after years that the charming couple 
related the tragic events of their lives and loves, which 
happened after the Fleetwing sailed from Hong Kong, 
and which we have endeavored to transcribe with a 
faithful pen. 

The year in which the Lawrences arrived home in the 
Sea Queen, Lady Lucia purposely tarried at her town- 
house long after the usual time of exodus from London. 
She waited for the season to advance, that her husband 
might see her ancestral home at its best. Also wishing 
for him to be invested with the promised reward of 
Knighthood, and to have full opportunity to enjoy the 
enthusiastic eclat aroused by his heroism. 


440 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


During the winter of their arrival, fashionable society 
in the metropolis was unusually brilliant. Yet the com- 
ing of the shipwrecked Earl and his beautiful daughter, 
together with the darling Captain who had rescued them 
at the peril of his life, served to impart an added luster 
to the notable season. 

The bridal pair at once became the coveted accession 
in every aristocratic assemblage in London. Their 
romantic loves had from the first created an unusual 
interest ; but when this announcement was* quickly fol- 
lowed by the heart-rending news of the wreck of the 
Greyhound, with the loss of the English Ambassador 
and his daughter, the whole community was shocked, 
and the numerous relatives were precipitated into 
mourning. 

Then followed news of the unprecedented rescue of 
the Seymours by Lady Lucia’s lover, which aroused the 
most extravagant interest throughout the commercial 
world. Thus, when the wrecked ones came to London, 
Captain Lawrence at once became the hero of the day, 
and was everywhere greeted with a more general ex- 
pression of courtesy than he received at Hong Kong or 
Singapore. 

Never for a moment was he made to feel the want of 
rank or title, — even before he was knighted; and cer- 
tainly not after his reception at court, where he received 
his well-merited title from the hands of the queen, who 
thus stamped her royal approbation with a meed of 
nobility ever respected by the peers of her realm. 

There was a notable gathering at Windsor Castle 
when Victoria convened her court to give audience to 


KNIGHTED BY THE QUEEN. 


441 


the great Duke of Somerset, and the consanguineous fam- 
ilies of St. Clare, Seymour, and Montford, for the pur- 
pose of conferring the Knight’s Grand Cross of the Bath 
upon the young hero of Greyhound fame. 

It was a proud day for the noble sailor when he stood 
listening to the flattering commendation of England’s 
queen, as she bade her young nobles to pattern after 
such self-sacrificing heroism ; a courage which defied the 
fierce breakers wherein many another had died, while 
attempting that which only his genius could accomplish. 

It was also most gratifying when the Lord High 
Admiral subsequently congratulated the brave seaman 
upon his unprecedented act; which was succeeded by 
greetings from the whole concourse of nobles, who, one 
by one, came forward and grasped the hand of Sir 
Charles Lawrence, and welcomed him to their guild of 
nobility. 

Most gratifying of all was the final scene, where the 
grand old Earl of St. Clare came forward and, in the 
presence of the assembled court, folded the young hero 
to his breast ; while with tear-choked voice he proclaimed 
Lawrence the savior of himself and the last scion of the 
line of Seymours. Who can wonder that there was not 
a dry eye in all that distinguished assemblage of fair 
women and noble men — from Victoria herself to the 
most arrogant peer in her presence ? 

Those curious to behold the ingenious craft contrived 
by Lawrence, by which he and Baiatea reached the 
wreck, will find the Baiatea in the British Museum. 
While the precious little Prata, on which Lady Lucia 
was saved, is sacredly inclosed in plate-glass, and occu- 


442 


THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


pies an honored place in the gallery of paintings, being 
the dearest heirloom belonging to the family. 

Eaiatea is still the happy valet of his grateful master, 
and is as much loved by the old Earl as ever. The brave 
act of the Tahitian received due acknowledgment, with 
a gold medal from the Admiralty ; and his timely ser- 
vices can never be forgotten by the Seymours and 
Lawrences. 

Good old Uncle Joe Bailey willingly gave up his New 
Bedford home, together with the lowly pulpit where he 
frequently taught his grotesque version of the gospel to 
his benighted brethren, and returned with the Law- 
rences to live to the end of his days. The pious old 
whaleman loved the young Captain and his charming 
lady above all others. 

It is safe to say that the life of the decrepit old sailor 
was greatly rejuvenated by daily contact with the merry 
children at the Castle, as we have the word of the lisping 
boy George, that “Unke Doe be de greatest man in de 
’hole world, — bigger den Sinbad de Sailor, — an’ he 
telded de best stowies ’bout de Lawd, an’ little Jesus, 
an’ big whales, an’ lots of udder tings. Why ! Unke 
Baily kilded Mode Dick, de mad whale ; an’ he chopped 
off de head of dat ole piwate king, what tried to kill my 
papa.” 

This seemed to be unimpeachable authority, as the 
young scion was much too lovable and handsome for one 
to doubt his integrity on such an ambiguous question. 
Certain it is that there is nothing too good in the pala- 
tial home at Moorland for the meek old man, whose cun- 
ning hand saved Lawrence from the uplifted sword of 
Ching Along. 


UNCLE JOE REMEMBERED. 


443 


Though Joe Bailey is black as Erebus — son of Night 
— and shriveled as a mummy from the Egyptian tombs, 
there is ever a well-spring of divinest joy springing 
forth from his aged heart; a broad, glad gospel, as 
solacing and sweet as a bird song. 

When among the children of Lady Lawrence, Uncle 
Joe, the story-teller, is loved as an idol, and revered as 
a god. Being the only black man they ever saw his aged 
face was awe-inspiring to the juveniles, and they failed 
not to enshrine him in a more exalted niche than mere 
white men were thought worthy of. The charming crea- 
tures were keen enough to scent the goodness of heart, 
and nobility of soul, beneath the black parchment which 
had tanned in every clime and sea in the universe. 

Though Sir Michael Seymour had left the sea and 
settled upon a fine estate in a neighboring county, it 
was a childless home. Therefore the best part of the 
old Admiral’s time was spent at the Castle. Though Sir 
Charles and Lady Lawrence ever extended the warmest 
tributes of affection to the aged seaman — their avowed 
match-maker — seeking to induce him to leave his bache- 
lor’s quarters and live with them, it was not untij. they 
named their first-born, George Michael, that they cap- 
tured the old sea-dog and induced him to “let go his 
best bower ” in their midst. 

It was easy to see that this small item had an undue 
influence upon the old hero, for it withheld him ever 
after from accepting office at the Admiralty, where his 
judgment was greatly respected. Thereafter Moorland 
yacht-house was the place where Sir Michael and the 
juvenile Georgie were most often found — when the 


444 .THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 


latter was not with. Uncle Joe. The Admiral loves to 
teach his small pupil how to sail the yacht Aloata over 
the blue water of the crystal mere ; or sitting in the 
pretty club-house, the two cronies may be found whit- 
tling out their miniature ships — sufficient occupation 
and excuse for their being together, two glorious, jolly 
boys of an undistinguishable age. 

Though the oldest daughter was appropriately named 
Lady Maud, after the revered grandmother, there is a 
second little midget, who, though she may never become 
the pirate queen of Gular, is, nevertheless, named Aloata, 
after that beautiful Spanish celebrity. This, too, at the 
special request of the young mother upon the instant 
she saw the snapping black eyes of the new-born girl. 

It is said that Sir Charles submitted to the name with 
some little show of hesitation ; probably under the super- 
stition that no other possible influence than tha,t of the 
hovering spirit of the arrogant queen could have imparted 
,such sloey orbs to their babe ; for in every other re- 
spect the little Aloata is a blonde as beautiful as her 
mother. This singular birth-mark seemed to the parents 
positive evidence that the enamored queen still kept her 
troth-plight to the man she loved, as when, with port-fire 
in hand ready to explode the magazine, she promised to 
be his guardian spirit, — 

“ Good-by ! dearest and best of men. The blue heavens 
await me ! Watch for my coming in the silent night 
and solemn moments of prayer. In times of deepest 
sorrow and supremest joy — when supernatural aid is 
most desired — Aloata will ever be at your side.” 

Never from that moment was Aloata’ s name left unsaid 


THE BABE ALOATA. 


445 


in the prayers of the mother of that child. She prayed 
God to deal kindly with the hovering spirit of the dead 
queen, who had providentially been the means of saving 
her father and herself from starvation, by liberating 
Lawrence from the terrible death prepared for herself, 
because of her intense, ennobling love for the man. 

It is not too much to infer that, as the young mother 
believed Aloata’s spiritual influence had impressed the 
child, she also had faith that the queen’s benign spirit 
would continue to watch over her namesake, as well as 
the parents of the babe. While this may be deemed 
superstition, to the awed young parents it served only to 
augment their love for the child and each other, without 
imparting a touch of jealousy; as was evinced by their 
joint prayers for the noble queen, who, years after her 
death, had thus given visible evidence of her enduring 
affection. 

From the day of little Aloata’s birth a thousand 
dollars a month had been invested from the Aloata 
Fund for the namesake of the queen. Though Sir 
Charles professed to love Maud, his second-born, the 
best, yet often in moments of sly merriment Lady 
Lawrence playfully asserted that this was all put on for 
propriety’s sake. Insisting pleasantly that, as the beauti- 
ful queen was his last conquest, she ought necessarily to 
be his best love ; but ever ending with the frank con- 
fession that neither her husband nor herself could be 
blamed for over-loving their little black-eyed minx, as 
the singularity of her beauty, together with the mystery 
connected with it, made her the admiration of all. 


446 THE WRECK OF THE GREYHOUND. 

Here we leave them, with a life of rare promise and 
abundant opportunities for works of beneficence before 
them, which they are sure to fulfill with a willing hand. 
With their minds broadened and matured by extensive 
travel, which serves to increase the mental grasp upon 
all topics of daily life, these two radiant souls seem 
endowed with unusual capabilities for enjoyment. 

Their world-wide experience of peril and pleasure not 
only rendered them sufficient unto themselves in all the 
daily requisitions of companionship, but it also enabled 
them to impart much rare pleasure to others who yearly 
took part in the charming social gatherings at Moorland 
Castle. 

Never shall we forget the happy months spent with 
our old-time shipmate and friend. The refined atmos- 
phere of Christian fervor which pervaded the family, 
the intellectual discussions of all the great topics of life, 
literature, and religion, comprised a social scene of 
domestic affection and contentment rarely vouchsafed to 
mortals. A charmed circle such as we have never found 
elsewhere save in the romantic pages of story. A cheer- 
ful, restful example of life that has gone far to help us 
totter meekly down the declivity of years. 

Surely, whom the Lord loveth most He chasteneth in 
youth, that, becoming wise before their time, they may 
receive their just recompense thereby, and witness 
thereof to all the world with their joy. 


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